You can also get creative and swap out salt for different types of herbs and spices to add that extra flavour. Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you might need to lose, gain or maintain your current weight but it’s important to make healthier food choices while you’re doing this. Your body is made up of nearly two-thirds water, so it makes sense to drink enough every day to stay hydrated and healthy.
- All have a high-water content while providing fiber to slow down the body’s insulin response.
- Staying hydrated is especially important for those with chronic conditions, such as diabetes.
- There are different types of diabetes, and no two people with diabetes are the same.
- Regular, long-term use of alcohol has been shown to increase insulin resistance.
- Whether you choose green, black, white, or oolong tea, avoid teas with added sugars.
Test Your Blood Sugar
“Sugar-sweetened drinks are absorbed into your bloodstream much too quickly, causing a spike in blood glucose levels,” explains Basbaum. A typical 12-oz can of soda contains about 38.5 g of carbs, according to the USDA. Staying well hydrated means drinking can you drink if you have diabetes enough fluids to keep your body healthy and that’s important for people who don’t have diabetes, too.
Why You Need to Stay Hydrated
If you have diabetes, you might be wondering if you can safely enjoy an alcoholic beverage, and if so, what the “best” types of alcoholic beverages are to choose from. With all the focus on carbs, it’s easy to forget that alcohol also has calories. Given that drinking can make you lose track of what you’re eating, calories (and pounds) can add up quickly.
The Best Drinks for Diabetes (Besides Plain Water)
Many no-calorie or low calorie sweeteners are available, if you choose to use them. Research has shown that green tea has a positive effect on general health. Keep in mind that even low sugar options, such as vegetable juice, should be consumed in moderation. Comprehensive, accurate, easy-to-understand articles written by a team who live with diabetes, and fact-checked by medical professionals. Diabetes Strong has strict sourcing and citation guidelines, outlined in our Editorial Policy. That’s true for all drinkers — but it’s especially true if you have diabetes.
- Avoid drinks that contain sweet mixers or juices, such as a margarita or tequila sunrise.
- You’ll save more than 300 calories, 40 grams of carbs, and 14 grams of fat.
- Portion sizes are important to think about whether you have type 1 or type 2.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about the beverages that you drink. Ask your healthcare provider if this is the right amount of fluid for you, as many factors can increase or decrease your fluid needs—including caffeine intake, weight, and kidney function. Additionally, when it is very hot or you are exercising, you may need more fluid. Research shows that caffeine-containing beverages can contribute to your hydration goals—as long as you’re a regular coffee/tea drinker.
Effects of Alcohol on Diabetes
It seems like a healthy choice, but store-bought versions almost always include a lot of carbs and sugar. One 12-ounce mango-flavored smoothie from a popular chain, for example, has 58.5 grams of carbs. Substitute a homemade berry smoothie, with half a cup each of blueberries, strawberries, and banana. Blend with some ice and enjoy for about half the amount of carbs.
Regular soda
- Of course, the protein content of milk in general often counteracts any sudden blood sugar spike.
- Being more physically active goes hand in hand with eating healthier.
- For a healthier choice, select juices that are lower in added sugars.
- Lots of pre-packaged foods already contain salt so remember to check food labels and choose those with less salt.
- You can check nutrition labels to avoid choosing kombucha products with added sugars.
- This guide provides essential insights into the types of drinks that help balance blood sugar and those that could disrupt it, ensuring you make the best choices for managing diabetes.
- It’s also the body’s detoxification center, breaking down toxins like alcohol so the kidneys can easily flush them away.
This is any activity that raises your heart rate, makes you breathe faster and feel warmer. You should still be able to talk and only be slightly out of breath. Break it down into bite-size chunks of 10 minutes throughout the week or 30 minutes 5 times a week. It’s still a good idea to cut down on using oils in general, so try to grill, steam or bake foods instead. Made by Powerade, Power Water is a zero-calorie, zero-sugar alternative to regular Powerade that also provides a boost of vitamins B3, B6 and B12. Additionally, coconut water naturally contains electrolytes—potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium—to keep you hydrated.