People with diabetes have a short or nonexistent supply of insulin – the hormone that assists the cells with glucose absorption. When you have diabetes, choosing the right drink can be challenging.
Since they can’t properly use insulin, they have to use different methods to manage their blood sugar levels. As a result, a diabetes-friendly diet is necessary. So, it is very important for diabetics to pay attention to the food they eat and the beverages they drink.
Here are the best drinks that won’t affect blood sugar levels.
1. Herbal Tea
Any herbal tea can be ideal for boosting overall health. According to research, tea can have amazing health benefits depending on the herbs you use. Furthermore, it has a great flavor that will not increase blood sugar levels.
In other words, it is a completely safe drink for people with diabetes.
However, to get these benefits, you must consume unsweetened tea. In fact, it is crucial that you stay away from sugar and artificial sweeteners that may affect blood glucose levels. But, you can use some honey if you want to drink something sweeter.
2. Coffee
According to studies, there is a chance that drinking coffee might reduce the risk of developing diabetes type 2. Records claim that the people who drank 2 or 4 cups per day during the studies, had reduced their chance of developing diabetes type 2.
So, if caffeine gives you energy, feel free to drink it. However, it is important to avoid cream, sugar, or other ingredients that increase the number of calories in a cup. In other words, drink unsweetened coffee if you want to keep your blood glucose in check.
3. Water
Water is the most suitable drink for everyone. It is crucial for keeping the body hydrated and improving mental and physical health. In other words, everyone needs water. Moreover, drinking water can reduce the cravings for something sugary.
Therefore, whenever you feel a sudden urge to eat something sweet, drink a glass of water.
4. Flavored Water
Most people choose sweetened beverages because they find their taste most appealing. In addition, they find water to be bland and very boring. But, that doesn’t have to be the case. You can make tasty water without adding any chemicals or sugars.
What you can do is add some flavor to it by using fruits such as lemon, cranberry, citrus, or lime. Also, feel free to drink aloe water. Aloe-infused water can be great for people with diabetes. Besides, this kind of water may be immensely healthy and incredibly flavorful.
To make flavored water, all you will need is a pitcher and some of these fruits:
- Lemon,
- Orange,
- Lime,
- Flavorful herbs (basil, mint, lemon balm),
- Raspberries.
All you have to do is add fruits of your choice and decorate them with some flavorful herbs. Let the water sit in the fridge for some time and enjoy!
5. Fresh Fruit Juice
Everyone loves juice. That is why we recommend that you drink freshly squeezed fruit juice. In addition, you will avoid all the sugars, but gain all the fiber your body needs. However, have in mind that you should drink these beverages in moderation.
After all, they should be counted in every meal plan. The key to managing diabetes is to control portion sizes. Therefore, you have to consume foods that will not increase your blood sugar levels.
6. Low-Fat Milk
Dairy products are essential. They contain a sufficient amount of minerals that the body needs to function properly. However, they also contain carbohydrates. Therefore, it is important that you choose low-fat, unsweetened, or skim milk.
Also, we recommend that you drink only one or two glasses of milk per day.
Bad Drinks for People with Diabetes
It is important that you pick the right drinks best suited for your condition. Therefore, we suggest that you stay away from:
- Energy drinks,
- Soda,
- Fruit cocktails,
- A lot of alcohol.
Many doctors recommend that people with diabetes stay away from sugary drinks. Otherwise, the sugar can cause sudden spikes in blood sugar levels, which may prove dangerous for overall health.
Instead, they should try to drink something that is easier to digest. Lastly, it is best to avoid drinks that contain a ton of carbohydrates and less nutritional value, such as fruit cocktails. Fruit juice and fruit cocktails are nothing alike.
