Living with diabetes requires an awareness of carbohydrate food sources. Oftentimes, people forget that beverages include carbohydrates, sometimes in large quantity. For example, 1/2 cup of orange juice provides 15 g of carbohydrate. Avoiding sweetened beverages such as juice, fancy coffees, hot cocoa, soda and bottled iced teas can help you keep carbohydrates to a minimum. Instead, look for naturally carbohydrate-free drinks or diet beverages.
Water
Water is naturally carbohydrate-free, inexpensive and should be consumed throughout the day. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture the human body is approximately 60 percent water. For the body to function properly and maintain healthy tissues, you need an adequate water intake even if you do not have Type 2 diabetes. Drink eight to nine cups of water each day. Drinking adequate water will maintain hydration and help you feel less hungry at meal times so you don't overeat carbohydrates.
Tea
Unsweetened tea is a flavorful carbohydrate-free beverage which makes it a good choice if you have Type 2 diabetes. Tea offers a wide variety of flavors and warms you up on a chilly day without providing a single carbohydrate. If you only like sweetened tea, try adding an alternative sweetener; the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recognizes these as safe in moderate amounts.
Diet and Sugar-free Beverages
Everyone loves a nice warm mug of hot cocoa or cider on a winter day. You don't have to count these treats out just because you have diabetes. Today there are plenty of alternatives to carbohydrate-rich beverages available. Look for low sugar or diet hot cocoa or cider. There are brands of cocoa and ciders available that provide as little as 4 g of carbohydrate per packet. You can also find sugar-free, low-sugar or diet juices, sodas, bottled teas and coffees on the market. Choosing the reduced-sugar or sugar-free beverages will help you maintain control of your blood sugars.
