Sports drinks/energy drinks Blood sugar control is critical for people with type 2 diabetes, so they should avoid these drinks as they risk elevating blood sugar levels for a prolonged period. They also contain empty calories that can lead to weight gain.
Among the top drinks a person with diabetes should avoid, a common denominator exists: sugar. Soda and sweet tea might seem like obvious culprits, but other drinks can pack a sugary punch as well. A single serving of many sugary drinks can contain the same amount of sugar as a plate of food.
Sports drinks: cause rapid spikes in our blood sugar due to high levels of carbohydrates. Diet soda: increases insulin resistance and the risk of diabetes because of the artificial sweetener it contains. Fruit juices: the fructose in fruit juices is strongly linked to insulin resistance and diabetes.
Gatorade, for example, has a glycemic index of 89. That's high. A GI score of 89 means that Gatorade is rapidly digested, absorbed, and metabolized, which results in significant blood sugar fluctuations. Something that can be problematic for people with diabetes who should avoid substantial changes in blood glucose.
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.
Stay hydrated
Aim for at least eight cups of water per day and try to drink a glass of water first thing in the morning.
Your doctor may tell you to have really sugary foods or drinks (like regular soda, orange juice, or cake frosting) or might give you glucose tablets or gel to take — all of these can help to raise your blood sugar level fast, which is what you need to do when it's low.
Pomegranate juice is said to help lower blood sugar levels within 15 minutes of drinking it.
Since your body doesn't respond to insulin the same as most, your fasting blood sugar reading can go up, even if you follow a strict diet. The boost in sugar is your body's way of making sure you have enough energy to get up and start the day.
Fruits that provide the appropriate amount of carbohydrates include half a banana, 15 grapes, two tablespoons of raisins or a small apple or orange. Fruit juice can also boost blood sugar levels. Norton suggests half a cup (4 ounces ) of your favorite fruit juice, such as apple, orange, pineapple or cranberry juice.
Natural peanut butter and peanuts are low glycemic index (GI) foods. This means that when a person eats it, their blood sugar levels should not rise suddenly or too high. A diet that is high in magnesium may also offer protective benefits against the development of diabetes. Peanuts are a good source of magnesium.
Tomato, carrot, and pomegranate juice may have positive effects on diabetes due to their antioxidants, lower carbohydrate content, and higher fiber content. Pairing juice with a meal that includes protein, fiber, and healthy fats helps to slow glucose absorption.
Is Cranberry Good for People with Diabetes? Cranberry is a low GI food with polyphenol plant micronutrient that improves insulin sensitivity therefore it is a good choice for people with diabetes. It does not spike blood sugar levels. It also contains fiber that slows down the breakage of glucose from the food.
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.
Dr. Nigma Talib, a naturopath who works with celebrities, has popularized the term “Sugar Face” to describe the effects that excess sugar has on the skin. Supposedly, she can look at someone's face and determine if they have a sweet tooth by the appearance and the location of their blemishes and wrinkles.
Drinking a citrus-flavoured drink has been shown to have positive effects on blood sugar levels. In addition to preventing dehydration it can help the kidneys flush out extra sugar in the blood. Otherwise, mounting blood sugar levels – an indicator of type 2 diabetes – could increase stroke risk.
HbA1c levels reflect a person's blood glucose levels over many weeks or months. On a short-term basis, groups taking apple cider vinegar saw significant improvement in blood glucose levels 30 minutes after consuming the vinegar.