Diabetes Drinks: Many fluids and drinks are to be avoided and are especially bad for diabetics. If you have diabetes, opt instead for these healthy alternatives.
Diabetes Drinks: For diabetics
When you have diabetes, choosing the right drink can be a more complicated task than you might think. Recent studies in this area often only increase the level of confusion in people with diabetes. For example, does coffee help or hinder insulin resistance? Do calorie-free sodas make you gain weight or help you lose weight? We reviewed several types of research on the subject and interviewed three recognized dieticians to know their opinion.
Drink more tea
Without calories, full of flavor, packed with a phenomenal amount of antioxidants, tea is the perfect beverage for diabetics. A Chinese study showed that black tea, not green tea, had the highest level of polysaccharides, slowing the absorption of sugar in the blood. According to a German study, drinking 4 cups of tea a day could reduce the risk of developing diabetes by 16%. Tea could also help reduce the risk of heart attack and heart disease. The exception to the rule is commercial iced tea, in the bottle, which contains a ton of added sugar
How much: 4 to 5 cups a day are enough for most people. Make sure though that caffeine does not keep you awake at night. You can consume more if you alternate with a decaffeinated tea option. And watch what you add: avoid sugar, fat milk, and cream.
Drink coffee in moderation
Some studies suggest that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of suffering from type 2 diabetes. A compound contained in coffee, called chlorogenic acid, seems to slow down the absorption of glucose in the blood. On the other hand, other research indicates that among people who already have diabetes, coffee could raise blood sugar levels or at least cause the body to work harder to metabolize sugar. Conclusion: How coffee influences the level of blood sugar depends on each individual. The problem is more about what every person struggling with diabetes adds to his coffee. “Sugar, flavored coffee creams, whole milk and the half can boost blood sugar levels and increase your weight,” says Brown-Riggs.
How: Experts suggest drinking a maximum of 2 to 3 cups of coffee per day. If you have trouble controlling your blood sugar, it is probably best to drink less. You will be able to observe the effect of coffee on your sugar level. “Each person’s metabolism and blood glucose are unique and unique to everyone,” says Ginn.
Agave syrup
This natural sweetener also speaks for itself, because it has a higher sweetening power than white sugar, 1.4. In addition, since it contains a high proportion of fructose (60% to 90%), its glycemic index is low (around 20), which is an advantage for people with diabetes. This syrup is extracted from the sap present in the heart of the agave, a plant that also serves to make tequila (Agava Tequilana). Its taste is more neutrally sweet than that of honey. Its color varies from golden to dark brown, depending on the degree of purification. It is found in health food stores.
Beware, however, that it is almost as caloric as sugar, around 17 calories per teaspoon versus 20 for sugar. On the other hand, because its sweetening power is higher, it is used less: it is generally suggested to replace 1 cup of sugar per 2/3 cup of agave syrup. Another disadvantage of this syrup: because of its high fructose content, it increases the triglyceride levels in the blood when consumed in large quantities. This increase is a factor in cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance.
Sugars and alcohols
Synthetic sweeteners should be distinguished from sugars, also known as polyalcohols or polyols: maltitol, sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, isomalt, and the like. Although sugar alcohols are also synthesized in the laboratory, they are, to some extent, more “natural.” Indeed, they come from different sugars of vegetable origin. On the shelves, they are most often found in food products for diabetics, but also sweets, candy, gum, ice cream, and some chocolates. They are not sold as table sweeteners. Sugar-alcohol has little effect on blood glucose, but consumed in large quantities can cause gastrointestinal disorders (flatulence, diarrhea, etc.).
Drink soda and sweetened fruity drinks in moderation
With an average of 10 teaspoons of sugar in each can, it is best to avoid sugary beverages. These drinks can also increase your risk of developing excess weight. Other adverse effects associated with these drinks include high blood pressure and heart disease. A single sweet drink per day can add 150 empty calories to your diet. This can also increase your carbohydrate intake by 40 to 50 grams. This will cause your blood sugar levels to skyrocket. Additionally, consuming a sweetened beverage can lead to a weight gain of 15 pounds per year, according to Harvard researchers. Research has also shown that sugar (either plain white sugar or corn syrup) can cause a clump of fat on the stomach and increase inflammation and insulin resistance, increase the risk of diabetes, and Of heart disease.
Consumption of beverages and sweetened beverages
“If you have diabetes, limiting your intake of sweetened beverages is a crucial first step. Plus, you could lose weight and improve your overall health, “says Ginn. Changing habits for healthier drinks can prevent you from consuming hundreds of empty calories. This is often one of my first goals when I work with someone newly diagnosed with diabetes, “adds Ginn. In a study in North Carolina, soda drinkers who stopped eating that drink were more likely to achieve their weight loss goal than those who did not stop drinking. None, ideally. Consider at least the soda as a treat, just as you would for a decadent dessert. If you are used to drinking sodas, reduce your intake by drinking a smaller amount for a few weeks. Also, try to mix normal soda with a diet soda. This will reduce your intake of calories and carbohydrates. Aim for a sugar-free drink. Water and sparkling water (including fruit-flavored varieties) are ideal options for diabetics.
Consumption of soft drinks
If you drink sodas, go for a diet soda rather than its normal version. Be sure to drink beverages that are good for your health, such as water and tea. Resist the temptation to see diet soda as a “magic eraser” for calorie foods. A study by the University of North Carolina found that people who enjoy a diet soda as part of a healthy and balanced diet are 30% less at risk for developing insulin resistance than those who eat Fried or sweetened foods.
