What Can I Drink If I Have Diabetes?
Having diabetes means that you have to be aware of everything you eat or drink. Knowing the amount of carbohydrates you ingest and how they may affect your blood sugar is crucial. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends zero-calorie or low-calorie drinks. The main reason is to prevent a spike in blood sugar. Choosing the right drinks can help you avoid unpleasant side effects, manage your symptoms, and maintain a healthy weight. Water Unsweetened tea Unsweetened coffee Sugar-free fruit juice Low-fat milk Zero- or low-calorie drinks are typically your best bet when choosing a drink. Squeeze some fresh lemon or lime juice into your drink for a refreshing, low-calorie kick. Whether you’re at home or at a restaurant, here are the most diabetes-friendly beverage options. 1. Water When it comes to hydration, water is the best option for people with diabetes. That’s because it won’t raise your blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can cause dehydration. Drinking enough water can help your body eliminate excess glucose through urine. Women should drink approximately 8 glasses of water each day, while men should drink about 10 glasses. If plain water doesn’t appeal to you, create some variety by: adding slices of lemon, lime, or orange adding sprigs of flavourful herbs, such as mint, basil, or lemon balm crushing a couple of fresh or frozen raspberries into your drink 2. 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 your LDL cholesterol levels. Some research suggests that drinking up to six cups a day may lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. However, more research is needed. Whether you choose green, black, or herbal tea, you should avoid sweeteners. For a refreshi Continue reading >>
Drinking Alcohol Safely With Diabetes
Alcohol. Yep, some people with diabetes drink it. I do, on occasion. Some argue that drinking alcohol with diabetes isn’t the healthiest choice, but I could say the same thing about diet soda. Whatever your stance on it is, it is something that should be handled with care, especially when you are dealing with diabetes. As anyone with diabetes (or someone who loves a PWD) knows, it is a balancing act. Between food, exercise, hormones and the like, we are constantly chasing that elusive 100 mg/dl on the meter. Alcohol can really throw your blood sugars into a tailspin. Let’s not even start on carbohydrates in your drink. Your liver and its functions are a very big player in how you manage diabetes while drinking. Instead of helping to regulate your blood sugar, your liver is busy metabolizing the alcohol, which can result in some scary lows. Be prepared with glucose tabs and make sure to check regularly if you are having a drink. What to Drink? I like to stick to drinks that don’t have carbohydrates in them: a good red wine, vodka and club soda or Fresca, or an occasional martini are predictable for me. Plus, I don’t have to take any insulin with them which makes it easier. If I am having a beer or something fruity like rum punch, I make sure to limit how much I am having. I once had an endocrinologist tell me that after every 3 drinks make your fourth one with carbs. I don’t know how good that advice was, I don’t follow it… But I do stick to what I know, I test very often, and I make sure to eat something while I am drinking. Bedtime Cautions Yes, you should be cautious before bed even when not drinking but you need to be even more on track of what your blood sugar is when you are. I cannot stress enough to test right before bed (and before you brush your t Continue reading >>
Effects Of Alcohol On Diabetes
Alcohol, which is made from fermented yeast, sugars, and starches is a very commonly used substance. In fact, 87.6% of adults aged 18 and over have consumed it at some point in their lifetime. It is also known as a depressant due to its capability to depress the central nervous system. About 71% have drank in the past year. When enjoyed in moderation, alcohol does not pose a risk, and actually has some health benefits to it. However, for those with diabetes, it can be a struggle to maintain a safe blood sugar while drinking. It is very easy to become hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemic (high blood sugar), depending on which type of diabetes you have and the medications that you take. Understanding the effects drinking has on diabetes is very important. This article discusses the risks and benefits of drinking. It also explains what drinks are best for individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Can I drink if I have diabetes? You can most certainly drink alcohol with diabetes. The key, just like many other things, is to do so in moderation. Also, if your blood sugar is not under good control, you should not drink because it can cause it to become too high or too low. Your doctor should be aware of your drinking habits so that they can make sure that you are not experiencing any complications related to it. I recommend reading the following articles: How does alcohol affect diabetes and my blood sugar levels? Normally, the liver is the organ that stores and secretes glucose to the cells in the body to fuel them when you are not eating. The liver is also responsible for cleansing the body of toxins. The liver does not recognize alcohol as food. Instead, it sees it as a drug and a toxin. When alcohol is in the system, the liver changes gears and begins to deto Continue reading >>
The Best Liquids To Drink If You Are Diabetic
When you're diabetic, you need to be careful about not only the foods you consume but also about what you drink. A wide range of beverages are safe for diabetics, but many others are not. Pick the wrong type of drink, and you're apt to experience complications as a result of your elevated blood glucose. To stay healthy, keep a list of the best liquids to drink when you're at home, at work and even while traveling. Video of the Day Quench Your Thirst The American Diabetes Association suggests that diabetics commit to consuming drinks that have either no calories or that have a very low number of calories per serving. The healthiest choice is water, which does not have any calories and is also an ideal source of hydration. Other healthy drinks to consider adding to your meal plan include unsweetened tea, unsweetened coffee, diet soft drinks and low-calorie beverages such as club soda and vegetable juice. Low-fat milk and 100 percent fruit juice are also safe, but note each beverage's calories and carbs, and track this information in your meal plan. Spice Up Your Water If you primarily drink water but seek variety, make a subtle change to your choice of beverage. Instead of plain water, add a few squirts of fresh lemon or lime. This changes the flavor without significantly boosting the drink's caloric value. Consider other alternatives such as a few pieces of peeled, fresh ginger, a slice of cucumber or even a few, diced mint leaves. If you have an intense craving for a sweet, flavorful drink, don't give in to your urge to consume a soft drink. Instead, opt for a diet version that's sweetened with an artificial sweetener such as acesulfame potassium, aspartame or sucralose. A long list of sodas and fruit juices contain this type of sweetener and, as a result, have either n Continue reading >>
Best And Worst Drinks For Type 2 Diabetes
1 / 8 Best and Worst Drinks for Type 2 Diabetes If you have type 2 diabetes, you know it's important to watch what you eat — and the types of drinks you consume. Drinks that are high in carbohydrates and calories can affect both your weight and your blood sugar. "Generally speaking, you want your calories and carbs to come from whole foods, not from drinks," says Nessie Ferguson, RD, CDE, a nutritionist at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. The best drinks have either zero or very few calories, and deciding on a beverage isn't really difficult. "When it comes right down to it, good beverage choices for type 2 diabetes are good choices for everyone," she says. Some good drinks for type 2 diabetes include: Water Fat-free or low-fat milk Black coffee Unsweetened tea (hot or iced) Flavored water (zero calories) or seltzer But sugary soda is one of the worst types of drinks for type 2 diabetes, according to the Mayo Clinic. The problems with soda include: Empty calories. Soft drinks are very high in sugar, have zero nutritional value, and are often used in place of healthy drinks such as milk. Cavities. The high sugar combined with the acid in soda dissolves tooth enamel, which increases the risk of cavities. Weight gain. Sugary sodas have about 10 teaspoons of sugar per 12-ounce can. Boosts risk of diabetes and risk of complications for those who have diabetes. Some people with type 2 diabetes continue to drink alcohol, but you should be aware that any alcohol consumption may result in dangerously low blood sugar levels for up to 24 hours. That’s why it’s important to check your blood sugar often and get your doctor's okay before you drink alcohol. People with diabetes should only consume alcohol if their diabetes is well controlled and should always wear a medical Continue reading >>
List Of 9 Best Healthy Drinks For Diabetics
Overview Diabetes brings about many restrictions in a person’s the life affected by it. In the case of diet, the restrictions are more severe. The meals for diabetes, breakfast for diabetics, and snacks for diabetics, all have to be prepared and planned to keep the health restrictions and requirements in mind. Diabetic patients just can consume 1 can of soda or 1 glass of chilled soft drink since these are high in sugar and calorie that promote weight gain and increase blood glucose level – that is extremely harmful to type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients. But this doesn’t mean that diabetic patients should avoid all refreshing beverages. Delicious herbal teas, infused water, milkshakes and green tea are best healthy drinks for diabetics that are low in calories and rich in antioxidants. In this article, we at VKool.com will show you top 9 healthy drinks for diabetics. Read on and include them in your diet. 9 Best Healthy Drinks For Diabetics You Should Know I. Best Drinks For Diabetics 1. Drinks For Diabetics – Coffee According to a 2006 study, moderate consumption of both decaffeinated and caffeinated coffee may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in middle-aged and younger women [1]. However, overconsumption of coffee can raise blood sugar level. Coffee contains the compound Chlorogenic acid, which helps to delay the glucose absorption into the bloodstream and curb type 2 diabetes. Along with that, coffee has no carbohydrates and calorie, which make it become one of the best drinks for diabetics. Thus, you should enjoy 1-2 cups of coffee a day without sugar and milk. This is because adding sugar, milk or cream to coffee may increase the overall calorie count and affect the levels of blood sugar. Read also: Home remedies for diabetes in men and women 2. Drinks F Continue reading >>
Type 1 Diabetes Diet
Type 1 diabetes diet definition and facts In Type 1 diabetes the pancreas can do longer release insulin. The high blood sugar that results can lead to complications such as kidney, nerve, and eye damage, and cardiovascular disease. Glycemic index and glycemic load are scientific terms used to measure he impact of a food on blood sugar. Foods with low glycemic load (index) raise blood sugar modestly, and thus are better choices for people with diabetes. Meal timing is very important for people with type 1 diabetes. Meals must match insulin doses. Eating meals with a low glycemic load (index) makes meal timing easier. Low glycemic load meals raise blood sugar slowly and steadily, leaving plenty of time for the body (or the injected insulin dose) to respond. Skipping a meal or eating late puts a person at risk for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Foods to eat for a type 1 diabetic diet include complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, whole wheat, quinoa, oatmeal, fruits, vegetables, beans, and lentils. Foods to avoid for a type 1 diabetes diet include sodas (both diet and regular), simple carbohydrates - processed/refined sugars (white bread, pastries, chips, cookies, pastas), trans fats (anything with the word hydrogenated on the label), and high-fat animal products. Fats don't have much of a direct effect on blood sugar but they can be useful in slowing the absorption of carbohydrates. Protein provides steady energy with little effect on blood sugar. It keeps blood sugar stable, and can help with sugar cravings and feeling full after eating. Protein-packed foods to include on your menu are beans, legumes, eggs, seafood, dairy, peas, tofu, and lean meats and poultry. The Mediterranean diet plan is often recommended for people with type 1 diabetes because it is full of nut Continue reading >>
Type 2 Diabetes Diet Plan: List Of Foods To Eat And Avoid
Currently, there are nine drug classes of oral diabetes medications approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Sulfonylureas, for example, glimepiride (Amaryl) and glipizide (Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL) Meglitinides, for example, nateglinide (Starlix) and repaglinide (Prandin) Thiazolidinediones, for example, pioglitazone (Actos) DPP-4 inhibitors, for example, sitagliptin (Januvia) and linagliptin (Tradjenta) What types of foods are recommended for a type 2 diabetes meal plan? A diabetes meal plan can follow a number of different patterns and have a variable ratio of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The carbohydrates consumed should be low glycemic load and come primarily from vegetables. The fat and proteins consumed should primarily come from plant sources. What type of carbohydrates are recommended for a type 2 diabetic diet plan? Carbohydrates (carbs) are the primary food that raises blood sugar. Glycemic index and glycemic load are scientific terms used to measure the impact of a carbohydrate on blood sugar. Foods with low glycemic load (index) raise blood sugar modestly and thus are better choices for people with diabetes. The main factors that determine a food's (or meal's) glycemic load are the amount of fiber, fat, and protein it contains. The difference between glycemic index and glycemic load is that glycemic index is a standardized measurement and glycemic load accounts for a real-life portion size. For example, the glycemic index of a bowl of peas is 68 (per 100 grams) but its glycemic load is just 16 (lower the better). If you just referred to the glycemic index, you'd think peas were a bad choice, but in reality, you wouldn't eat 100 grams of peas. With a normal portion size, peas have a healthy glycemic load as well as being an excellent source of pro Continue reading >>
Drinks And Diabetes - What Can I Drink?
Tweet When choosing what to drink, there are a couple of main considerations relevant to your diabetes to take into account. The first consideration is whether, or how much, the drink will affect your blood sugar levels. The other main consideration, which will be relevant to all of us to some degree but of particular relevance for those of us watching our weight, is to consider the calorie content of drinks. Water You can’t go too far wrong with pure water. It provides the hydration your body needs and is, of course, zero carbohydrate and zero calories. Milk Moderate carbohydrate content which may need to be accounted for, particularly in people with type 1 diabetes, if drinking close to or more than 100ml. Milk tends to be a good source of energy and people that wish to watch their weight will need to take into account the calorie content of milk. Skimmed tends to have around half the calories of whole milk. Fruit juice Fruit juice is usually regarded as a healthy option but it should be noted that fruit juices have a relatively high carbohydrate content. The calorie content of fruit juice is similar to that of skimmed milk. Despite being quite high in carbohydrate content, fruit juice needn’t be totally avoided and can be a good option before taking a sustained period of exercise as the activity may help to balance out the rise in blood sugar levels from the juice. To ensure you get good nutritional value from fruit juice, ensure you have real, unsweetened fruit juice. Fruit squash and cordials Fruit squash and cordials tend to be sweetened but some sugar free versions may be available. Squash and cordials don’t carry the nutritional benefits of real fruit juice but can be a lower carbohydrate and lower calorie alternative to sugar soft drinks. Sugary soft drin Continue reading >>
Diabetes & Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can lead to serious low blood sugar reactions. Alcohol can also affect diabetic nerve damage, eye disease, and high blood triglycerides. You may wonder if drinking alcohol is safe for people with diabetes. If you drink alcohol, there are some things you need to know first about alcohol safety. Is it Safe to Drink Alcohol? Check with your doctor to make sure alcohol doesn’t interfere with your medications or complicate any of your medical conditions. Drinking alcohol can lead to serious low blood sugar reactions, especially if you take insulin or types of diabetes pills that stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas. Alcohol can also affect other medical conditions you may have, like diabetic nerve damage, diabetic eye disease, and high blood triglycerides. Get guidelines for alcohol use from your medical provider. How Much Alcohol Can I Drink? If you choose to drink alcohol, drink in moderation. Limit your intake of alcohol to no more than one serving per day for women, and no more than two servings per day for men. One serving size of alcohol equals: 12 ounces of beer 5 ounces of wine 1½ ounces of distilled spirits (such as rum, whiskey, gin, etc.) Alcohol and Risk of Low Blood Sugar If you are managing your diabetes with diet and exercise alone, drinking alcohol can stil increase your risk of low blood sugars. And if you take insulin or types of diabetes pills that stimulate insulin production, drinking alcohol can lead to even more serious low blood sugar reactions. Normally, the liver releases glucose to maintain blood sugar levels. But when you drink alcohol, the liver is busy breaking the alcohol down, so it does a poor job of releasing glucose into the bloodstream. This can lead to a drop in blood sugar levels if you are drinking alco Continue reading >>
Hospital Bag List For A Gd Mother
Do we need a special hospital bag list with gestational diabetes? Well when it comes to food & drink, yes we do! No you may not be allowed or want to eat during active labour, but some ladies may be in hospital for a while before they are in 'active' labour. Remember, you still have gestational diabetes right up until you deliver your baby and placenta. Keeping your blood sugar levels stabilised throughout labour is extremely important. If you have high blood sugar levels during your labour then your baby will over produce insulin to help process the sugar that is being passed through to them. Once born your baby will continue to overproduce insulin which results in hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels) in baby. Hospital meals *Warning! - meals in hospital are rarely suitable for gestational diabetes patients. Many have 'diabetic' options, but you'll be surprised as to what a diabetic option can be! Play safe and pack some things that will help you get through, until you've given birth GD snacks - pack a mini cool bag with an ice pack for cold things! nuts crisps wholegrain popcorn oatcakes/oat biscuits Nature Valley high protein bars (depending on your tolerance to them) granny smith apples babybels/cheese portions fridge raiders peperamis yoghurts no added sugar jelly pots small jar of peanut butter (this is ideal for those that get given toast for breakfast, you may want to take bread that you can tolerate too) GD drinks Sports cap (squirty) bottled water Robinsons squash'd or 'Go Splash' mini concentrate drinking squash to add to a hospital water jug diet or zero fizzy drinks Energy drinks for labour You may be advised in birthing classes to pack energy or isotonic drinks for labour. Please note that these drinks will cause extremely high blood sugar levels, which Continue reading >>
4 Tips On Drinking When You Have Diabetes
Drink with care Is there room for alcohol in your diet if you have diabetes? Perhaps, if you are particularly vigilant about its use. The first problem with alcohol is that it lowers blood sugar levels due to its effect on the liver. The second is that it is high in calories-almost as high as fat-but with few nutrients. If you get the green light from your health-care team that it is okay to drink on occasion, here are some useful tips. Pair alcohol with food Food acts like a sponge, helping to absorb some of the alcohol and in turn minimizing its effect on blood sugar. Likewise, sip your drink slowly to further slow absorption. A person with diabetes should always eat carbohydrate foods when drinking alcohol, and never drink on an empty stomach. By taking consistent daily blood sugar readings, you will be in a much better position to make an intelligent decision about whether to drink. If your blood sugar is already low, there is no need to cause more problems by drinking. Moderation is best There are fewer risks to your diabetes, and possible benefits, by keeping to current guidelines: No more than one drink per day for women, two per day for men. But be sure your diabetes is well controlled. If weight loss is a goal, drinking may hinder progress, so discuss this with your health-care team. Keep the mixers calorie-free If you choose hard liquor, watch out for added calories due to the mixers. Stick with club soda, mineral water, diet soft drinks, Bloody Mary mix, or coffee for hot drinks. If your doctor's given you permission to drink, follow these guidelines to do it responsibly If your doctor's given you permission to drink, follow these guidelines to do it responsibly Continue reading >>
Shopping List For Diabetics
Control Type 2 Diabetes, Shed Fat Our Shopping List for Diabetics is based on the Pritikin Eating Plan, regarded worldwide as among the healthiest diets on earth. The Pritikin Program has been documented in more than 100 studies in peer-reviewed medical journals to prevent and control many of our nation’s leading killers – heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, metabolic syndrome, and obesity as well as type 2 diabetes. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, pay special attention. Research on newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics coming to the Pritikin Longevity Center illustrate how profoundly beneficial early intervention can be. Scientists from UCLA followed 243 people in the early stages of diabetes (not yet on medications). Within three weeks of coming to Pritikin, their fasting blood sugar (glucose) plummeted on average from 160 to 124. Research has also found that the Pritikin Program reduces fasting insulin by 25 to 40%. Shopping List for Diabetics – More Features Here’s another big plus to our Shopping List for Diabetics. In addition to icons that are diabetes-focused like “sugar free,” this list uses icons like “low cholesterol” and “low sodium” because many people with diabetes are working to control not just diabetes but related conditions like high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. This list can help you identify those foods most advantageous in helping you reach your personal health goals. Diabetic Food Taboos? Not Anymore! Have you been told you have to give up juicy watermelon or sweet grapes? What if we told you those foods really aren’t taboo? Watch the Video Our Healthy Shopping List for Diabetics also lists the top 10 things to put back on the shelf if you’re trying to: Lose Weight Lower Blood Pres Continue reading >>
What You Can Drink, Besides Water, When You Have Diabetes
No doubt: Water is the perfect drink. It doesn't have calories, sugar, or carbs, and it's as close as a tap. If you're after something tastier, though, you've got options. Some tempting or seemingly healthy drinks aren't great for you, but you can make swaps or easy homemade versions of many of them. These tasty treats can fit into your diabetes diet and still satisfy your cravings. 1. Chocolate Milk This treat may remind you of the school lunchroom, but it’s a good calcium-rich choice for grown-ups as well. Low-fat chocolate milk can be a good post-workout recovery drink. The bad news: Ready-made brands come packed with sugar. Try this at home: Mix 1% milk, 3 teaspoons of cocoa powder, and 2 tablespoons of the zero-calorie sweetener of your choice. It saves you 70 calories, 16 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of fat compared to 1 cup of store-bought, reduced-fat chocolate milk. 2. Sweet Tea A 16-ounce fast-food version might have up to 36 grams of carbs. That’s a lot of sugar, especially when there are carb-free choices, like sugar-free iced tea or iced tea crystals, that are just as satisfying. But you can also easily make your own: Steep tea with your favorite crushed fruit (raspberries are a good choice). Strain, chill, and then sweeten with your choice of no-calorie sugar substitute. That’s a tall glass of refreshment. 6. Hot Chocolate It’s the ultimate in decadent drinks. Coffeehouse-style versions of this classic are packed with carbs. A typical medium hot chocolate made with low-fat milk has 60 grams. Good news: You can make your own satisfying mug for less than half that. Mix 1 cup of low-fat milk with 2 squares of 70% dark chocolate, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and a little cinnamon. Melt in a saucepan, and enjoy it for only 23 grams of carbs. It seems like a he Continue reading >>
13 Hot Diabetic Drinks To Enjoy All Year Round
If you're trying to control blood sugar levels it may seem as though there are limited diabetic drinks available. But in truth there are a wide range of safe options you can thoroughly enjoy. Recently we covered 11+ cold diabetic drink options. And today we're delving into some warming drinks that are low in sugar, and some that are rich in healthy fats and proteins to help stabilize your blood sugar levels. #1: Coffee There's something about the rich aroma of freshly made coffee that you either love or you don't. But if you do, you'll be pleased to learn that you can still enjoy your favorite blend. But just be aware that some people can be more sensitive to coffee, whereby their glucose levels increase. If that's you, then coffee is obviously not the best choice for you. I love drinking my coffee strong and black. But if you want a coffee creamer, use cream, milk, coconut milk or unsweetened almond or soy milk. #2: Coconutty Mocha If you are a coffee lover, adding a twist of coconutty chocolate for a deliciously warming mocha, may be just what you need on a fresh, crispy morning. Ingredients: Half a cup of brewed coffee 2/3 cup unsweetened almond or coconut milk 2 teaspoons cacao or cocoa powder (unsweetened) 1 tablespoon coconut butter or 1/8 teaspoon coconut extract Your choice of sweetener (sweeten to taste) Combine all the ingredients in a pan and heat over medium heat until you reach your desired temperature. Serve in mugs and sip away! Just be wary not to let it boil rapidly or you'll ruin your mix. #3: Classic Hot Chocolate I don't know about you but the thought of hot chocolate always brings back childhood memories – it's a warming drink that's sweet, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying! This simple recipe proves that you don’t have to ditch all your favorite dri Continue reading >>
