What to drink when you have diabetes (2024)

FAQs

What to drink when you have diabetes? ›

Try to limit drinks with a lot of sugar, such as sweet sherries, sweet wines and liqueurs. Have diet or sugar-free mixers with any spirits – if a friend gets one for you, make it clear what you need. Some drinks like beers, ales and ciders contain carbs and will increase your blood sugar levels initially.

Try to limit drinks with a lot of sugar, such as sweet sherries, sweet wines and liqueurs. Have diet or sugar-free mixers with any spirits – if a friend gets one for you, make it clear what you need. Some drinks like beers, ales and ciders contain carbs and will increase your blood sugar levels initially.

If you are living with diabetes, you can drink co*ke Zero, along with any other sugar-free beverages you enjoy. That said, it's always a good idea to drink diet sodas like co*ke Zero in moderation. As much as possible, choose water as your go-to beverage.

And don't forget vegetable juices, such as celery juice, cucumber juice, or juices made with leafy greens like kale or spinach. As long as they don't have added sugars, all of these juices can be good options for people living with diabetes, experts say.

Drinking water is an excellent way to stay hydrated without consuming sugar. Green tea, cow's milk, and fermented milk (kefir) could also help you manage your blood sugar responses. Coffee also contains compounds that may help regulate blood sugar, but confirming this requires more research.

On the other hand, people with diabetes should steer clear of these sports drinks which can affect your blood sugar levels (unless they're planning an extended workout): “Traditional” Gatorade/Powerade. On average, both of these drinks contain 34 grams of added sugar and 140 calories per 20-ounce bottle.

Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys flush out excess sugar. One study found that people who drink more water lower their risk for developing high blood sugar levels. And remember, water is the best. Sugary drinks elevate blood sugar by raising it even more.

Water is the best all-round drink. If your family likes flavoured waters, make your own by adding a squeeze of lemon or lime, or strawberries.

The quickest way to lower your blood sugar is to take fast-acting insulin. Exercising is another fast, effective way. However, in severe cases, you should go to the hospital.

What are the 5 worst foods for blood sugar? ›

You limit dairy products, red meat, sweets, added sugars, sodium (salt), and highly processed foods. Some additional guidelines include focusing on seasonal produce and reading food labels to help you avoid added sodium and sugar.

If you have type 2 diabetes, this means taking sugary drinks — such as regular soda, sweet tea, and even juice — off the table and replacing them with low-sugar and sugar-free options, including water. If you enjoy swigging bottled drinks, you may be at a loss for how to stay hydrated.

Takeaway. A person with diabetes should include a variety of fresh, whole foods in their diet, such as nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. Bananas are a safe and nutritious fruit for people with diabetes to eat in moderation as part of a balanced, individualized eating plan.

Some diabetic-friendly drinks include flavored sparkling water, unsweetened dairy or soy milk, unsweetened coffee and tea (hot or iced), homemade smoothies with low-sugar fruits, low-sugar vegetable juice, and zero-sugar drinks.

It's best to steer clear of soda, fruit punch, sports drinks, energy drinks and sweetened teas. These drinks contain added sugar and empty calories, which can spike your blood sugar and contribute to weight gain, according to the ADA.