Diabetes is a long-lasting disease that refers to a condition where our body is unable to either effectively produce insulin or use the insulin it produces to regulate blood glucose. Eating foods and drinks that are fatty, fried, and have a high sugar content can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels and cause serious damage to the nerves and blood vessels. When choosing a beverage, diabetic people need to make sure that their drink does not contain a lot of sugar as it can suddenly spike the levels of glucose in the blood.
Let’s take a look at some drinks that are not only safe for diabetic people but also help them control their blood sugar levels.
Water- Water is the best drink to have for diabetic and non-diabetic people. Normal water doesn’t spike blood sugar levels and helps diabetic people eliminate excess glucose by urinating. Dehydration can also lead to high blood sugar levels. If you are unable to drink plain water, then try adding flavour by infusing herbs like mint or basil, or by adding slices of lemon or orange.
Bitter gourd juice- Bitter gourd juice helps regulate blood sugar levels in the body by promoting the production of insulin and ensuring that sugar is converted into energy and not fat. Bitter gourd juice also has a high water and fibre content which helps promote weight loss by regulating the feeling of hunger.
Unsweetened tea- Studies conducted on tea drinking habits indicate that drinking unsweetened herbal, black, or green tea prevents conditions like hyperglycemia. Not only does tea have a positive impact on glycemic levels but it also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the inflammation of joints and muscles caused by diabetes.
Skim or low-fat milk- Skim or low-fat milk is a great beverage option for diabetic people as it is a great source of vitamins and minerals. However, you must make sure that you drink unsweetened cow, soy, rice, almond, or oat milk. Milk will also contribute to their daily carb intake and it should be accounted for while planning for the rest of their meals.
Unsweetened coffee- A review of studies conducted in 2019 indicates that drinking coffee lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes as it improves sugar metabolism. Diabetic people can still enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning. However, they must remember that drinking coffee with creamer, milk, or sugar adds to their caloric intake and will affect their blood sugar levels.
Barley water- Barley is a grain that is a rich source of insoluble fibre. Barley water or water that is soaked in barley is an extremely healthy and beneficial drink for diabetic people as its high fibre content stabilises blood sugar levels. It also exhibits antioxidant properties which keep diseases at bay.
Whole fruit smoothies- Diabetic people should not consume fruit juices because just the juice of the fruit can spike blood sugar levels as it doesn’t contain any fibre which can regulate its metabolism. However, they can still enjoy whole-fruit smoothies made with healthy nutritious ingredients that are beneficial for glucose management and will take some time to process.
Tomato juice- Tomato juice or tomato puree is another great alternative to sugary fruit juices as it has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the inflammation caused by diabetes. According to a study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, eating a raw tomato or drinking its juice every day can reduce blood pressure, thereby, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases associated with diabetes.
