Energy drinks are everywhere you look.  They are available in grocery stores, vending machines, convenient and drug stores.  Some of my friends use them for a quick energy fix. Many cannot get through the day without having at least one. There are even sugar-free brands that are diabetes friendly.

I do know that these drinks are extremely high in caffeine. Some can have as much as 500 mg in every 8-ounce serving. To me, that is excessive, since a 5-ounce mug of coffee has between 60-150 mg. But, keep in mind; most people don’t drink just 5 oz…I think I will just stick to my coffee!  If you look at the nutrition label on a can or bottle, the caffeine amount is not even listed. Energy drinks usually contain guarana which supplies an additional amount of concentrated caffeine. This should concern some people with diabetes because too much caffeine can increase the heart rate and elevate your blood pressure. Both conditions can lead to a heart attack. Many people with type 2 diabetes already have high blood pressure and heart disease.  

In additions, these drinks may also contain herbal supplements.  Certain herbs can interfere with some of your diabetes medicines. The best message to take home, if you have diabetes, is to always speak with your doctor about these types of drinks. I strongly believe that all we need to do is to get plenty of sleep and exercise. Both can help boost our energy levels without needing any of these energy drinks.

What are your thoughts?

^{Reference: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/UnderstandingOver-the-CounterMedicines/UCM205286.pdf,  accessed 12/9/2011.}

^{http://www.samhsa.gov/data/2k11/WEB_DAWN_089/WEB_DAWN_089_HTML.pdf , accessed 12/9/2011.}

Most people are familiar with the medical ID bracelets.  Lately, there are other options available to help identify your diabetes.  A successful program was started in Tennessee known as the “Diabetes Alert Sticker Program”.  A sticker is placed in the rear window of a car that is driven by a person with diabetes.  If a policeman approaches a car and finds the driver showing signs of impairment, the officer is aware it may be diabetes related.  Low blood sugar symptoms are often similar to alcohol/drug use.  In order to receive the sticker, you will need a doctor’s order.  This program is becoming very popular and is being expanded throughout the United States.  In some states, diabetes can be listed on your driver’s license. This is another way to spread awareness to police officers aware that you have diabetes.  A diabetes tattoo is the latest trend.  You can have a tattoo with the Star of Life or the American Diabetes Association symbol.

What do you think your diabetes alert tattoo would say?