Managing blood sugar levels is crucial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition. While many people are aware of the impact that food can have on blood sugar, the beverages we consume can also play a significant role. Here are the three worst drinks for blood sugar:
Added sugars are often hidden in foods that we don’t even consider to be sweet, such as spaghetti sauce. For example, a single cup (245 grams) of low fat yogurt can contain over 45 grams of sugar, which is about 11 teaspoons. This is more than the daily limit for men and women in just a single cup (7).
Sugary sodas
Limiting certain foods and drinks may help you manage your condition and reduce your risk of complications. Prediabetes and diabetes can increase your risk of other chronic conditions, including heart disease, kidney disease, and blindness. Some research has linked the intake of green tea to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and other conditions related to diabetes. A person should never consume alcoholic drinks as a carbohydrate replacement for food. Instead, the person should limit alcohol and take it in addition to the normal diet.
Sugary sodas are one of the worst drinks for blood sugar levels. These beverages are packed with high levels of refined sugar, which can cause a rapid spike in blood glucose levels. Regular consumption of sugary sodas can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
In addition, barista coffees might also contain flavored creamers and syrups that contain high levels of sugar. But if you need some sugar, Zanini recommends going for Stevia instead of artificial sweeteners as a more natural option. For instance, drinking 1½ cups of tomato juice a day for a month cut down on some measures of inflammation in obese women, according to research. Tomato juice has about 10 grams (g) of carbs per cup, according to the USDA, so you’ll need to factor that in. Some distilled spirits are typically mixed with sugar-containing sodas or juices, which can raise blood sugar. Alcohol can cause a drop in blood sugar in the several hours after you consume it.
If you are an adult with overweight or obesity, work with your health care team to create a weight-loss plan. If you take insulin or certain diabetes medicines, drinking alcohol can make your blood glucose level drop too low, which is called hypoglycemia. If you do drink alcohol, be sure to eat food when you drink and remember to check your blood glucose level after drinking. Talk with your health care team about your alcohol-drinking habits. Sleeping too much or too little may raise your blood glucose levels.
People with diabetes can be active, even if they take insulin or use technology such as insulin pumps. If you are not taking insulin, you may not need to count carbs when using the plate method. Henry isn’t alone when it comes to pinpointing soda as the worst drink for diabetics. Many people look at sherbet and see a good alternative to ice cream. Sherbet typically has almost double the carbohydrates of ice cream, states Cotey.
Fruit juices
While fruit juices may seem like a healthier option than soda, they can still be detrimental to blood sugar levels. Many fruit juices are loaded with natural sugars from the fruits they are made from. This can cause a quick rise in blood glucose levels, similar to sugary sodas. It’s best to opt for whole fruits instead of juice to get the fiber that helps slow down the absorption of sugar.
Energy drinks
Energy drinks are known for their high caffeine and sugar content, making them a bad choice for blood sugar control. The combination of caffeine and sugar can lead to a rapid increase in blood glucose levels, followed by a crash. This rollercoaster effect can be harmful to overall health, especially for those with diabetes.
In conclusion, it’s important to be mindful of the beverages we consume, as they can have a significant impact on blood sugar levels. By avoiding sugary sodas, fruit juices, and energy drinks, individuals can better manage their blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of developing complications associated with diabetes.
