What Can We Drink When We Have Diabetes? Best Drinks to Lower Blood Sugar

If you have diabetes, your doctor may suggest calorie-free liquids like water or tea, as well as low-calorie drinks like milk substitutes or sugar-free lemonade. Diabetes requires you to be mindful about all that you eat and drink. It is critical to understand how many carbs you consume and how they may impact your blood sugar.

Zero-calorie or low-calorie beverages are recommended by ADA (American Diabetes Association). The major reason is to avoid a blood sugar increase. Choosing the proper beverages will assist you in avoiding unpleasant side effects such as blood sugar spikes, managing your symptoms, maintaining a healthy weight, and most importantly, lower blood sugar.

Best Drinks to Lower Blood Sugar

When it comes to quenching your thirst, zero- to low-calorie beverages are usually your best choice. For a pleasant, low-calorie boost, squeeze any fresh lime or lemon juice into your drink. Remember that even low-sugar alternatives, such as juice of vegetables, ought to be drunk in moderation.

Because reduced fat dairy includes lactose, an occurring naturally milk sugar, must be included in your daily carbohydrate requirement. Dairy products are not considered low-sugar beverages. Here are the best diabetes-friendly beverages to drink at home or in a restaurant to lower blood sugar.

1. Water

As it comes for hydration, water is the greatest choice for diabetics. This is due to the fact that it will not boost the level of your blood sugar. Dehydration can result from high blood sugar levels.

Drinking adequate water might assist your body in eliminating excess glucose via urine. Adult males should drink around 13 cups or 3.08 liters of water per day, while women should drink approximately 9 cups or 2.13 liters. If plain water is not appealing to you, add a little taste to your drink by including slices of lime, lemon, or orange, sprigs of delicious herbs like mint, basil, as well as lemon balm, or crushing a few of either frozen or fresh raspberries.

2. Seltzer Water

Seltzer water is a refreshing, sugar-free solution to other carbonated drinks like soda. Seltzer water, like ordinary water, is zero in calories, carbohydrates, and sugar. Carbonated water serves as an excellent method to remain hydrated while also maintaining appropriate blood sugar concentrations. There are several flavors and kinds to select from, or you may experiment with mixing fresh fruit or herbs into your drink for a wonderful twist.

3. Tea

Green tea has been found in studies to improve overall health. A big 2021 study of over 500,000 people reveals that drinking green tea on a regular basis may reduce your risk of diabetes type 2. Further study, however, is required.

Avoid teas with sugar added in, whether white, black, green, or oolong. Prepare your own tea then add a few slices of lemon for a delicious flavor. Herbal teas such as chamomile, ginger, hibiscus, as well as peppermint tea are all wonderful choices for diabetics. Herbal tea isn't just low in carbohydrates, calories, as well as sugar, but it is additionally rich with disease-fighting antioxidant chemicals such as flavonoids, carotenoids, as well as phenolic acids.

4. Coffee Without Sugar

According to the 2019 analysis of research, drinking coffee may help lessen your chance of getting type 2 diabetes through increasing sugar metabolism. It's critical that your coffee, like your tea, stay unsweetened. Adding cream, milk, or sugar to a cup of coffee raises the number of calories and may have an effect on the level of sugar in your blood. If you choose, there are several zero- or low-calorie sugar available.

5. Vegetable Juice

While typically 100% fruit juice contains 100% sugar, you can substitute tomato juice along with a veggie juice. For a tasty source of minerals and vitamins, combine green leafy vegetables such as spinach, celery, as well as cucumbers with an assortment of berries. Keep in mind to include the berries in your daily carbohydrate total.

6. Low Fat Milk

Milk includes crucial minerals and vitamins, but it also contains carbs. Choose low fat, sugar-free, or skim milk whenever possible, and limit yourself to 2-3 ounce cups each day.

7. Alternatives for Milk

Milk substitutes such as rice, almond, soy, oat, as well as coconut milk are actually dairy-free and relatively low in carbohydrates. They are occasionally fortified with crucial minerals like as vitamin D and calcium, both of which are necessary for bone health. Be mindful that soy or rice milk include carbs, and most nut milks contains only a trace of protein, so read the label carefully to ensure you get the proper product for you.

8. Smoothie of Greens

Green smoothies are a great way to get more fiber and minerals into the diet while remaining hydrated. Make your own by combining green veggies such as kale, spinach, or celery with powdered protein and a little of fruit for a nutritious, homemade smoothie. Remember that fruits include carbs, so include them in your regular carbohydrate consumption.

9. Lemonade Without Sugar

With only a few basic ingredients, you are able to whip up a homemade sugar-free lemonade in your kitchen for a pleasant and delightful low carb drink. To begin, mix sparkling water and juice from a freshly squeezed lemon. Finish with ice and your preferred sugar-free sweetener, like the stevia.

10. Kombucha

Kombucha serves as a fermented drink composed primarily of green or black tea. It's high in probiotics, which are helpful bacteria present in the intestine that have been examined for their capacity to enhance blood sugar management in persons with diabetes type 2. Although the actual nutritional value of kombucha varies based on the kind, brand, and taste, a 1-cup portion generally comprises approximately 7 grams of carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for a minimal carb diet.

Worst Drinks for Those with Diabetes

Sugary drinks should be avoided since they might elevate the level of blood sugar while contributing to your daily calorie consumption. Instead, drink fruit-infused water or tea. Stay away from energy drinks, of which can trigger blood sugar surges and harm your general health. Pick 100% pure juices of fruit and keep serving sizes to 4 ounces.