What to drink when you have diabetes (2024)

What to drink when you have diabetes (1)

Your body is made up of nearly two-thirds water, so it makes sense to drink enough every day to stay hydrated and healthy.

Water, tea, coffee, milk, fruit juices and smoothies all count.

We also get fluid from the food we eat, especially from fruit and veg.

Does it matter what we drink? Yes, particularly when it comes to fruit juices and sugary drinks – you can be having more calories and sugar than you mean to because you’re drinking them and not noticing.

Five ways to stay hydrated…

  1. 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. Children often need reminding to drink, so give them a colourful water bottle with a funky straw.
  2. Tea, coffee, chai and hot chocolate – cut back on sugar and use semi-skimmed or skimmed milk.
  3. Herbal teas can make a refreshing change and most are caffeine-free.
  4. Fruit juices (100 per cent juice) contain vitamins and minerals and 150ml provides one portion of our five a day – but remember, fruit juices only count as one portion, however much you drink. They can harm teeth, so for children, dilute with water and drink at meal times.
  5. Milk is one of the best drinks to have after sport. It’s hydrating and a good source of calcium, protein and carbohydrate. Choose skimmed or semi-skimmed milk.

…and two drinks that are great for hypos

  1. Fizzy sugary drinks provide little else apart from a lot of sugar, so only use these to treat hypos. Otherwise, choose sugar-free alternatives
  2. Energy drinks – the only time when these drinks can be helpful in diabetes is when you need to get your blood glucose up quickly after a hypo. Energy drinks are high in sugar and calories.

Quick quenchers

  • Add slices of cucumber, lemon, or mint leaves to a glass of iced water.
  • Mix sparkling water with a small amount of squash or cordial.
  • Make ice cubes from watermelon or grapes to brighten up your sugar-free drinks.
  • Gradually dilute fruit juice so you get used to less sweetness.
  • Try different types of flavoured teas – fresh mint leaves in boiling water is very refreshing.
  • Keep a bottle or a jug of water on the dinner table.
  • Add ground elaichi (cardamom seeds) to flavour chai in place of sugar and use semi-skimmed milk rather than whole or evaporated milk.
  • Use diet or light versions of hot chocolate.
  • Check the label on drinks cartons and choose the one that’s lowest in sugar.

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What to drink when you have diabetes (2024)

FAQs

How can I flush sugar out of my system fast? ›

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.

What is the red drink that lowers blood sugar? ›

Research suggests that moderate consumption of red wine could have health benefits for those with type 2 diabetes. A glass of red wine with dinner may help lower glucose levels, reducing the body's need for insulin. This occurs as the liver, which produces glucose, must first handle the metabolization of alcohol.

What is the best thing to fight diabetes? ›

Our top 10 tips
  1. Choose healthier carbohydrates. All carbs affect blood glucose levels so it's important to know which foods contain carbohydrates. ...
  2. Eat less salt. ...
  3. Eat less red and processed meat. ...
  4. Eat more fruit and veg. ...
  5. Choose healthier fats. ...
  6. Cut down on free sugar. ...
  7. Be smart with snacks. ...
  8. Drink alcohol sensibly.

What is the best thing to give a diabetic to drink when their blood sugar is low? ›

Blood sugar can usually be treated with the 15-15 rule, which involves consuming 15 grams of rapidly acting carbohydrates and then waiting 15 minutes before checking your blood sugar. Fruit juice, honey, hard candies, and glucose tablets are recommended to treat hypoglycemia between 55-69 mg/dL.

What brings sugar down immediately? ›

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. High blood sugar levels are known as hyperglycemia or high blood glucose.

What to drink to lower blood sugar immediately? ›

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.

What should diabetics drink first thing in the morning? ›

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.

Does lemon water lower blood sugar? ›

Lemon water may not directly impact your blood sugar levels and cause it to come down, but it can surely help prevent untimely spikes. The easy to make beverage is very low in carbohydrates and calories, and keeps you hydrated, which is very essential for diabetics to ensure.

What are the 3 worst drinks for blood sugar? ›

The 3 worst drinks
  • regular soda.
  • energy drinks that contain sugar.
  • fruit juices.

What should I eat if my sugar is high? ›

5 Superfoods to Lower Your Blood Sugar
  • Berries. Don't make your trip to the store fruitless. ...
  • Go nuts. That's right—go ahead and snack on almonds, cashews or even pistachios. ...
  • Leafy greens. ...
  • Non-starchy vegetables. ...
  • Whole grains.

What is the number one cure for diabetes? ›

The only known cure for Type 1 diabetes is either a pancreas transplant or a transplant of the specialized pancreatic cells that produce insulin. But with a shortage of available organs and 1.6 million people in the U.S. living with the disease, a cure for the vast majority is not possible.

How do you feel when your blood sugar is too high? ›

increased thirst and a dry mouth. needing to pee frequently. tiredness. blurred vision.

What can I eat before bed to lower my morning blood sugar? ›

Other options include:
  • A sugar-free frozen pop.
  • One light cheese stick.
  • One tablespoon of peanut butter (15 grams) and celery.
  • A hard-boiled egg.
  • Five baby carrots.
  • Light popcorn, 3/4 cup (approximately 6 grams)
  • Salad greens with cucumber and a drizzle of oil and vinegar.

What is the best liquid for a diabetic to drink? ›

Water is the best drink for people with diabetes, but it's not the only option. Many drinks have added sugars, making them high in carbohydrates. They'll quickly raise blood glucose levels. And, because they're also high in calories with few or no nutrients, they aren't the best choice.

What is the best bedtime drink for diabetics? ›

Apple cider vinegar is often used as a home remedy for various conditions. It is loaded with multiple benefits. Apple cider vinegar is beneficial for diabetes patients as well. Here's how it can help diabetics and how to drink apple cider vinegar to control blood sugar levels.

What cancels out sugar in your body? ›

Flush out all that sweet stuff from your system by hydrating ASAP with water or other low-sugar fluids, and foods high in water content. "Drink plenty of water and go for foods like watermelon, cucumbers, strawberries and yogurt," Seaver says.

How can I detox my sugar in one day? ›

7 tips to detox from sugar
  1. Eat breakfast. Eating breakfast with proteins, complex carbohydrates, fiber-rich foods, and healthy fats can keep blood sugar balanced and prevent sugar cravings throughout the day.
  2. Start small. ...
  3. Eat more healthy fats. ...
  4. Add protein. ...
  5. Snack on fruit. ...
  6. Swap your drinks. ...
  7. Stay hydrated.
Apr 23, 2021

What foods will lower blood sugar quickly? ›

Here are five foods that can make a difference.
  • Berries. Don't make your trip to the store fruitless. ...
  • Go nuts. That's right—go ahead and snack on almonds, cashews or even pistachios. ...
  • Leafy greens. ...
  • Non-starchy vegetables. ...
  • Whole grains.

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