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- Diabetics can consume root beer, but it should be done in moderation and with careful attention to its sugar content. Root beer, like many sodas, typically contains a high amount of sugar, which can significantly impact blood glucose levels.
discover.texasrealfood.com/diabetes-diet-decoder/root-beerIs Root Beer Safe for Diabetics? Understanding the Risks and ...
Jul 26, 2024 · The good news is that there’s a long list of thirst-quenching and satisfying drinks for people with diabetes. Let’s take a look at eight diabetes-friendly drinks that don’t have excess sugar or calories. 1. Water Plain water is the best drink for everyone, but especially for people living with diabetes. It’s naturally hydrating and free ...
- Overview
- The 10 best drinks for diabetes
- The 3 worst drinks
- Exercise caution with these two
- Takeaway
If you have diabetes, doctors may recommend drinks that have no calories or a low number of calories, such as milk alternatives and sugar-free lemonade.
Having diabetes means you have to be aware of everything you eat or drink. It’s crucial to know the number of carbohydrates you consume and how they may affect your blood sugar.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends zero-calorie or low calorie drinks. The main reason is to prevent a spike in blood sugar.
Choosing the right drinks can help you:
•avoid unpleasant side effects such as blood sugar spikes
•manage your symptoms
Better beverage choices:
•seltzer water •unsweetened tea •herbal tea •unsweetened coffee •vegetable juice •low fat milk •milk alternatives •green smoothies •sugar-free lemonade •kombucha Was this helpful? Zero-calorie or low calorie drinks are typically your best bet when choosing something to quench your thirst. You can squeeze some fresh lemon or lime juice into your drink for a refreshing, low calorie kick. Keep in mind that even low sugar options, such as vegetable juice, should be consumed in moderation. Reduced fat dairy contains the naturally occurring milk sugar lactose, so you’ll have to factor any dairy-based drinks into your total carbohydrate allowance for the day. Dairy beverages are also not considered a low sugar option. Whether you’re at home or at a restaurant, here are the most diabetes-friendly beverage options.
1. Seltzer water
Seltzer water is a great fizzy, sugar-free alternative to other carbonated beverages, such as soda. Like regular water, seltzer water is free of calories, carbs, and sugar. Drinking carbonated water is a great way to stay hydrated and support healthy blood sugar levels. There are many flavors and varieties to choose from. You can also try adding some fresh fruit and herbs to give your drink a delicious twist.
2. Tea
Research has shown that green tea has a positive effect on general health. A large 2021 cohort study of more than half a million Chinese people suggests that daily consumption of green tea may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. But more research is needed. Whether you choose green, black, white, or oolong tea, avoid teas with added sugars. For a refreshing taste, you can make your own iced tea and add a few slices of lemon.
Drinks to avoid
•regular soda •energy drinks that contain sugar •fruit juices Was this helpful? Avoid sugary drinks whenever possible. Not only can they raise your blood sugar levels, but they can also account for a significant portion of your daily recommended calorie intake. Sugary drinks add little, if any, nutritional value to your diet. But fruit juices do provide some nutrients.
1. Regular soda
Soda takes the top spot on the list of drinks to avoid. On average, 1 can has a whopping 40 grams of sugar and 150 calories, according to the ADA. This sugary drink has also been linked to weight gain and tooth decay, so it’s best to leave it on the store shelf. Instead, reach for sugar-free, fruit-infused water or tea.
2. Energy drinks
Energy drinks can be high in both caffeine and carbohydrates. A small 2018 study suggests that energy drinks can cause a spike in blood sugar. Too much caffeine can also: •cause nervousness •increase your blood pressure •lead to insomnia All of these changes can affect your overall health.
Drinks to be aware of
•diet soda •alcoholic beverages Was this helpful?
1. Diet soda
A 2015 study linked increased diet soda intake with a risk for metabolic syndrome. This syndrome is a cluster of conditions that includes: •high blood pressure •low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol •high levels of triglycerides •increased waist size •high blood sugar levels Upon further analysis, the study participants who had overweight or obesity (which are risk factors for metabolic syndrome) had likely been swapping no-calorie soda for the full-sugar versions. They likely took this step to cut their calorie intake. This was an association, but it wasn’t considered cause and effect. A small 2016 study also found that people who drank diet sodas had increased blood sugar levels and waist circumference. Further, the authors stated that people with higher insulin levels at the beginning of the study may have already had metabolic issues not related to their intake of sugar-free sodas. For most people living with diabetes, sugar-free sodas are safe in moderation. But resist the urge to pair something sweet or high in calories with that no-calorie beverage. No, the diet beverage doesn’t cancel out the calories in a candy bar.
2. Alcoholic beverages
If you have high blood pressure or nerve damage from your diabetes, drinking alcohol may worsen these conditions. You should check with your healthcare team to determine whether alcoholic beverages are safe for you to drink. Alcohol can cause a drop in blood sugar in the several hours after you consume it. This is especially important if you use insulin or other medications that can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Some distilled spirits are typically mixed with sugar-containing sodas or juices, which can raise blood sugar. One 2016 study in more than 383,000 people found that alcohol intake was associated with a higher risk of prediabetes. However, mild to moderate alcohol consumption (1–2 alcoholic drinks per month) was actually linked to a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Some studies have suggested that red wine can have a beneficial effect on diabetes, but the evidence remains uncertain. If you’re planning to drink an alcoholic beverage, red wine may be a good choice since it has some antioxidant properties and can be lower in carbohydrates. But sweeter-tasting wines do have more sugar content. The ADA recommends that people with diabetes limit alcohol consumption to 1 drink or less per day for women and 2 drinks or less per day for men. One drink is considered 5 oz (150 milliliters [mL]), of wine, 1.5 oz (45 mL) of distilled spirits, or 12 oz (355 mL) of beer. More research is needed to understand the potential relationship between diabetes risk and alcohol consumption.
When it comes to selecting a drink, keep it simple.
Unsweetened tea and coffee and all sugar-free beverages are good options. Natural juices and milk are generally fine in moderation.
If you’re craving a little sweetness in your drinks, try adding natural sources such as:
•fragrant herbs
•slices of citrus fruit
•a couple of crushed berries
- Daniela Ginta
Oct 10, 2023 · Though alcohol is OK for people with diabetes to drink, it must be consumed in moderation because it contains a lot of calories. “Alcohol can have a mild effect to lower glucose, but that’s ...
Jul 23, 2024 · Some tempting or seemingly healthy drinks aren't great for you, but you can make swaps or easy homemade versions of many of them. These tasty treats can fit into your diabetes diet and...
Apr 8, 2019 · Licorice root, for example, provides a subtly sweet flavor without raising blood sugar levels. An animal study from 2007 found that glucose levels fell in rats with diabetes after they consumed...
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Jun 4, 2023 · Learn which beverages are best for diabetes, including water, coffee, tea, and artificially sweetened drinks.
