Drinks to avoid if you’re living with diabetes
Over four million South Africans are currently living with diabetes. While it’s the second leading cause of death in South Africa, the condition can be managed with medication and good lifestyle choices. One of the most important is following a healthy diet, which includes watching what you drink.
Unhealthy drinks
Alcohol, fizzy, sugary and energy drinks aren’t healthy options, especially if you’re living with diabetes. High in sugar and carbohydrates, they can cause spikes in blood sugar and poor blood glucose control.
Sustained high glucose levels can increase the risk of complications such as damage to the nerves, kidneys, heart, and eyes. Alcohol can also interfere with diabetes medications.
Alcohol, fizzy, sugary and energy drinks aren’t healthy options, especially if you’re living with diabetes. High in sugar and carbohydrates, they can cause spikes in blood sugar and poor blood glucose control.
Sustained high glucose levels can increase the risk of complications such as damage to the nerves, kidneys, heart, and eyes. Alcohol can also interfere with diabetes medications.
The South African government recommends a threshold of 4g of sugar per 100ml can. Yet, a 100ml can of some cold drinks and energy drinks contains over 10.5g of sugar. Fruit juices also have a very high sugar content.
Diabetes-friendly drinks
There are many options that won’t compromise the health of those living with diabetes. These include:
• Sugar and milk-free tea or coffee: If you enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, take it without milk, cream, sugar or syrup, as these additions can affect blood sugar.
• Herbal teas: Green, ginger and chamomile teas, for example, are free of sugar and carbohydrates and higher in antioxidants, which promote good health.
• Water: Water is the best option. Not only does it prevent dehydration, but it also helps to manage blood sugar levels. Try adding fresh fruit like strawberries and lemons to your water for a better taste.
Staying hydrated is important, but, especially if you’re living with diabetes, you need to avoid alcohol, fizzy, sugary and energy drinks. Keep to the right choices, and you can protect your health.
There are many options that won’t compromise the health of those living with diabetes. These include:
• Sugar and milk-free tea or coffee: If you enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, take it without milk, cream, sugar or syrup, as these additions can affect blood sugar.
• Herbal teas: Green, ginger and chamomile teas, for example, are free of sugar and carbohydrates and higher in antioxidants, which promote good health.
• Water: Water is the best option. Not only does it prevent dehydration, but it also helps to manage blood sugar levels. Try adding fresh fruit like strawberries and lemons to your water for a better taste.
Staying hydrated is important, but, especially if you’re living with diabetes, you need to avoid alcohol, fizzy, sugary and energy drinks. Keep to the right choices, and you can protect your health.
References:
- https://idf.org-our-network-regions-members-africa-members-25-south-africa.html
- https://www.wits.ac.za-news-latest-news-opinion-2023-2023-11-diabetes---sas-second-biggest-killer.html
- https://www.healthline.com-health-diabetes-drinks-for-diabetics
- https://businesstech.co.za-news-lifestyle-658719-this-is-how-much-sugar-is-packed-into-south-africas-favourite-fizzy-drinks-
- https://bhekisisa.org-article-2021-09-21-the-sugar-tax-is-working-now-double-it-
- https://www.mdanderson.org-cancerwise-how-to-avoid-sugar-spikes.h00-159537378.html
- https://www.healthline.com-health-type-2-diabetes-facts-diabetes-alcohol
- https://www.eatingwell.com-article-8048530-best-drinks-to-lower-blood-sugar-
- https://www.diabetes.co.uk-food-water-and-diabetes.html