Healthy Drinks for Diabetics
We love sweet tea, y’all love sweet tea…but sometimes the sugar in sweet tea is just too much for us! We made Southern Breeze Sweet Tea to be a bit different. We wanted to make a sweet tea that anybody could drink…including those who need to cut back on sugar or looking for no sugar drinks!
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use it properly, leading to abnormally high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Diabetic beverages are those that have been designed for people with diabetes and contain lower sugar content than regular drinks.
What is the difference between type-1 and type-2 diabetes?
There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood and is an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks the cells that produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is more common, typically develops later in life, and is associated with lifestyle factors such as being overweight and physical inactivity.
What drinks are the best drinks for diabetics?
Depending on what type of diabetes you have, there are certain drinks that are recommended to be included in your diet. Generally, unsweetened iced tea, seltzer water, herbal tea, and plain water are all good drinks for diabetics. Additionally, sugar-free fruit juices made from fruits such as apples, oranges, or cranberries are also beneficial and can be good options.
What are the worst drinks for diabetics?
Non-alcoholic beverages that are recommended for diabetic diets include unsweetened iced tea, seltzer water, herbal tea, and plain water. Drinks to be avoided include regular sodas, energy drinks, sweetened teas, artificially sweetened beverages, regular juice, and any alcoholic drinks.
How much water should a diabetic drink daily?
Recommendations vary, but generally it is recommended that diabetics drink 3-4 liters of water a day. Water intake is important to make sure to drink to stay hydrated and properly manage your diabetes.
What food is best for diabetes?
There are a wide range of foods that are beneficial for diabetics. Good choices include whole grains, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, and healthy fats.
Is caffeine bad for diabetics?
Caffeine and diabetes may not sound like a good idea together but caffeine is okay if you have diabetes as long as it is consumed in moderation. It is important to keep in mind that too much caffeine can increase blood sugar and insulin levels, so it is best to limit your intake to 1-2 cups per day. Additionally, be sure to choose coffee with low or no added sugar.
Is coffee good for diabetes if you have type 2?
While there is some evidence to suggest that drinking coffee may benefit people with type 2 diabetes, it is important to be mindful of the amount you consume. Too much caffeine can increase blood sugar and insulin levels, so it is best to limit your intake to 1-2 cups of coffee per day. Additionally, be sure to choose coffee with low or no added sugar to maintain your glucose levels.
Is green tea good for type 2 diabetes?
Teas in general are great for anyone with diabetes—if they aren’t sweetened with any sugar. Some studies have shown green tea to have benefits for the mind and body, improving mental health and helping to manage or reduce weight gain. Even without any sugar, green tea is calming, tasty drink that's instantly relaxing.
Is Unsweet Tea Good for Diabetics?
Unsweetened tea is an excellent choice for a beverage with zero calories and no sugar! Because unsweet tea does not impact blood sugar levels, someone with Type 2 diabetes can utilize unsweet tea as a beverage of choice. It also helps keep you hydrated without causing blood sugar levels to spike!
Is it true that drinking a lot of sweet tea can cause diabetes?
It is true that consuming a large amount of sweetened drinks can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes. Consuming too much sugar can cause your body to become resistant to insulin, which can lead to diabetes. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of how much sweetened drinks you consume in order to reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
What is zero sugar sweet tea?
Sweet teas labeled as “zero sugar” often contain artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose or aspartame, to give the drink a sweet taste without the added sugar. It is important to be mindful of how much of these drinks you consume, as they can still contain calories and affect your blood sugar levels.
For most Southerners, sweet tea is part of the way of life. Sugar free sweet tea is sweetened with a sugar substitute and should ideally contain zero calories and zero carbohydrates.
To learn more about zero sugar sweet tea, read our article, What is Sugar Free Sweet Tea?.
Try Southern Breeze Sweet Iced Tea Today
When you're tired of only drinking water or looking for sugar free drinks try sugar free teas like Southern Breeze Sweet Tea! You'll get your sweetness fix without having to worry about sugar with products like Southern Breeze Decaffeinated Cold Brew Sweet Tea and a Best Sellers Decaf Cold Brew Sweet Iced Tea Bundle 6 Pack to try a variety of flavors! Our tea is made with real tea leaves in pre-sweetened bags with no sugar and zero calories!
NOTE: Make sure to talk to your doctor about certain beverages before adding them to your diet, but there are so many tasty drinks out there that don't have sugar! So keep on sippin' and stayin' healthy!