Top Beverage Dos and Don'ts for Managing Blood Sugar with Diabetes

Selecting the Best Beverages for Diabetes

Staying hydrated is important for everyone, but making wise drink choices is especially vital when living with diabetes. The carbohydrates, calories, and sugars in what you sip can greatly impact blood sugar control and weight management.

Water Should Be Your Main Beverage

Water is always the healthiest way to meet your fluid needs. Aim for 7-8 glasses of water per day as a starting point. Adding lemon, lime, cucumber or mint leaves can add some natural flavor.

Unsweetened Coffee & Tea

Enjoying coffee and tea unsweetened or lightly sweetened with non-nutritive sweeteners is generally fine. Some research even suggests moderate coffee intake could have protective benefits against type 2 diabetes.

Sugar-Free Seltzers & Sodas

Opt for zero-calorie carbonated waters or diet soft drinks sweetened with non-nutritive sweeteners instead of full-sugar varieties. Pay attention to portion sizes though, as even artificially sweetened seltzers and sodas can promote cravings.

Low-Fat & Skim Milk

Milk can fit into a diabetes diet, but lower-fat versions are best to limit saturated fat and calories. Opt for skim or 1% milk over full-fat. Limit to 1 cup daily, and avoid flavored milks with added sugars.

Beverages to Limit or Avoid

On the other hand, these popular drinks can disrupt blood sugar control or contribute excess calories:

Fruit Juices

Even with no added sugars, the natural sugars in fruit juices can spike blood glucose. Limit to half a cup daily of orange juice and avoid other fruit juices.

Sweetened Coffee & Tea Drinks

Heavily sweetened coffees and teas act more like a milkshake or dessert. With 30-50 grams of carbs and 300 or more calories in a large serving, these sugary drinks are best reserved as occasional treats.

Regular Soft Drinks & Sodas

A 12-ounce can of non-diet soda contains 35-40 grams of rapidly absorbed carb-based sugar and 150 empty calories. Regular consumption impairs metabolic health and contributes to obesity.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol lowers inhibition and judgement around food choices. Plus, beer and cocktail mixes add further carbs and calories. Those with diabetes should drink alcohol sparingly and cautiously.

In summary, water, unsweetened coffee and tea, sugar-free seltzers, and low-fat milk make up the most diabetes-friendly beverage choices. Limit fruit juices and avoid regularly drinking sweetened, alcoholic and full-sugar drinks.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.