What drinks should diabetics consume the most?
An unfortunate, yet important factor for those who have diabetes is that it is necessary to be aware of what you eat and drink. This is because almost everything you eat can play a negative or positive role in controlling blood sugar levels. There is a lot of information available about what to eat if you’re a diabetic but here we’re going to focus on drinks for diabetics and what the best drinks for diabetics are to keep blood sugar levels in line. Continue reading to learn about the best choices for diabetes drinks and how to avoid the negative side effects of diabetes.
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The Main Drinks for Diabetics
There are a few of the best drinks for diabetics, but they are each important. Think about anything that is zero or low calorie avoiding drinks that contain sugar, even low-sugar drinks. The five main diabetes drinks are:
- Milk
- Tomato Juice
- Unsweetened Coffee
- Unsweetened Tea
- Water
Water: We’re going to start with water. Water is not only the most important liquid that any individual should be consuming, but it’s also the healthiest option of drinks for diabetics. You can never go wrong with the water, and by adding some fresh lime or lemon, you can change the game a bit. Water is great because it keeps the body hydrated and if you’re diabetic, it has no effect on raising blood sugar levels. When your body has high blood sugar levels it has a higher risk of dehydration which can be avoided by drinking more water on a daily basis. Not to mention that water is one of the best drinks for diabetics because it can aid the body in removing excess sugar through urine.
Tea: If you love tea, you’re in luck! Tea is another great diabetes drink option, as long as it’s unsweetened. Tea has many benefits for the body, especially green tea. It can help reduce blood pressure and whether you choose tea with caffeine or not, avoid adding sweeteners. Some great options are green, black, herbal and rooibos. You can even use these teas to make fresh iced tea by adding some lemon to add to the flavor.
Milk: When choosing the right diabetes drinks options for you, milk is another option that has great minerals. Milk should always be low-fat, unsweetened or skim depending on the type of milk that you drink. Although milk is good for you, intake should be limited and not substitute for water. There are dairy free options as well but before opting away from dairy, make sure to check the carbohydrate amount on the label.
Tomato Juice: If you are someone who loves fruit juice, tomato juice can be a great vegetable alternative. Tomato juice or other vegetable juices can be mixed with fruits to create a smoothie that’s full of important ingredients.
Coffee: Coffee, like tea, should be unsweetened and drank without or with very little milk, cream or sugar. Coffee is a great thing to drink in the morning and early part of the day but since most coffee has caffeine it’s not recommended to drink it in the afternoon or evening because it may affect sleep.
Click here to learn how to spot the first signs of type 2 diabetes.
Now you’ve seen it, our list of the best drinks for diabetics! Here are a few drinks that diabetics should avoid or limit the consumption of:
- Soda
- Energy Drinks
- Diet Soda
- Fruit Juices
- Alcohol
When it comes to selecting the best drink option as a diabetic, opt for the basics. Coffee in the morning, water during the day and tea in the evening. Watching what you consume can not only help the body but make you feel better all day long!
