Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar. The hormone insulin moves sugar from the blood into your cells to be stored or used for energy. With diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it does make.
7 drinks for people with diabetes-
1. Water
Your body relies on water to function, and it’s essential for maintaining overall health — whether you have diabetes or not. It’s recommended that men consume about 125 ounces of water per day and women consume about 91 ounces.
A few benefits of drinking water:
Aside from the obvious benefit of keeping you alive, here are some other things water does for you:
– Helps you maintain a healthy body temperature
– Lubricates your joints
– Eliminates excess glucose through your urine
– Improves your cognitive function
2. Coffee
Caffeine affects everyone differently, so you’ll want to check your blood sugar to know if caffeinated coffee is a good choice for you.
This applied to both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees, so if caffeine makes you jittery, feel free to grab a cup of decaf.
3. Tea
Research has shown that green tea has a positive effect on your general health. It can also help reduce your blood pressure and lower harmful LDL cholesterol levels.
Some research suggests that drinking up to 6 cups a day may lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. However, more research is needed.
4. Sugar-free sodas
Most sugar-free sodas are 99 percent water and can be counted as part of your water intake for the day. There are many caffeine-free options, too. As with all aspects of living with diabetes, moderation is key.
5. Vegetable juice
While most fruit juice has too much sugar, you can try tomato juice or a vegetable juice alternative. Blend a mix of green leafy vegetables, celery, or cucumbers with a handful of berries for a flavorful supply of vitamins and minerals.
6. Low-fat milk
Dairy products should be included in your diet each day. Dairy products contain helpful minerals, but they add carbohydrates to your diet. Always choose unsweetened, low-fat, or skim versions of your preferred milk.
7. Lemonade
Nothing says summer like this drink. But 16 ounces of a popular brand served at restaurants give you 60 grams of carbs. Your best bet is to make lemonade at home. Mix water, fresh-squeezed lemons, zero-calorie sweetener, and ice for a truly refreshing beverage without a single carb or calorie insight.
Diabetes can lead to serious medical complications, but you can manage the condition with medications and lifestyle changes. People with diabetes have nearly double the risk of heart disease and are at a greater risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression. But most cases of type 2 diabetes are preventable and some can even be reversed.