Drinks & Diabetes
Learn How to Properly Manage Your Liquid Intake as a Diabetic
When you’re diagnosed with diabetes, one of the first things your health care team will go over is how important it is to manage your blood sugar levels. This will require making some adjustments in your daily life, especially when it comes to your food and liquid intake. Many people don’t realize that what they drink have just as much impact on their body as the meals they consume. The goal for diabetics is to avoid beverages that have a high percentage of calories and carbohydrates, but if you’ve never thought much about what you drink before, it can be a challenge knowing exactly which options are healthiest and which are more likely to have a negative impact.
Here’s a basic guide that will assist you in making good choices as you weigh out your options:
You can drink coffee, just be sure it’s unsweetened, and limit the number of cups you have per day.
Approved Drinks For Diabetics
If you have diabetes, these are the beverages you should turn to first to quench your thirst.
» Water: Without a doubt, it’s important to significantly increase your water consumption. Since it doesn’t have any carbs, sugars, or calories, it’s the ideal drink for diabetics. If the taste gets too boring, you can add a touch of flavor by infusing it with juice from citrus fruits.
» Milk: The calcium and vitamin D in milk is essential to a diabetic’s diet. Although, the key is to limit your serving size and make the switch from whole milk to low-fat or skim milk.
» Tea: Green and herbal teas provide a little more flavor than water and come with a host of health benefits, particularly for the heart. Unsweetened iced teas are also a good option for something more refreshing.
» Coffee: If you can’t get through the day without your cup of coffee, there’s no reason to panic. You can maintain your coffee habit, but be sure to keep it unsweetened and limit the number of cups you have per day.
Many alcoholic drinks are full of calories and sugar, which puts them on the list of drinks for diabetics to avoid.
Drinks For Diabetics To Stay Away From
These are the beverages you want to steer clear of if you’re serious about getting your diabetes under control.
» Fruit Juice: Fruit juice can actually fall into either category. As long as it is 100% juice and sugar-free, it can be safe to drink in moderation. The better alternative is to eat actual fruit if you need to satisfy a craving.
» Soda: Soda is among the worst things you can drink when you have diabetes. It’s full of sugar and has a great deal of calories. It’s best to resist the fizzy liquid in all of its variations, including the diet form.
» Alcohol: Many types of liquor are full of calories and sugar, which generally puts it on the bad list of drinks for diabetics. If you want to have an alcoholic beverage now and then, talk with your health care team to make sure it won’t interfere with any prescriptions you’re taking, only drink with meals, and avoid mixed drinks.
» Energy Drinks: In general, energy drinks can be harmful to a person’s health, but their effects are enhanced for someone who has diabetes. They are known to spike blood sugar levels, cause insulin resistance, and increase blood pressure.
The more educated you are on your choices, the easier it will be to make the right decisions when selecting your beverages.
Questions About Diabetes? Contact Us
It’s important to have a strong relationship with your doctor and their team of healthcare providers to manage your health. If you have concerns about your diabetes, Paradise Medical Group is here to help you. If you need an appointment, contact us or call 530/872-6650.