Diabetic Juices & Drinks

Diabetes is a disorder characterized by high blood sugar that develops when the pancreas does not make sufficient amount of insulin, a hormone that transports sugar from the blood to the muscle, or the muscle cells become resistant to the hormone. Short-term complications from high blood sugar may induce coma. Low glycemic foods and beverages do not rapidly increase blood sugar levels and may help you manage your diabetes. Some juices and drinks are low on the glycemic index, and suitable for diabetics.

Unsweetened Apple Juice

Apple juice is a nutritious beverage. Apples contain vitamins A and C. One cup of unsweetened apple juice provides 114 calories, 250mg of potassium, 2 IU of vitamin A, 2.2mg of vitamin C. The University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Center for Integrative Medicine says unsweetened apple juice is a low glycemic fruit juice. You may enjoy unsweetened apple juice before, during or after meals. You can purchase bottled or canned unsweetened apple juice or you may juice it fresh using one or a mixture of different types of apples that include Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Rome and Granny Smith.

Tomato Juice

Tomato juice is a low glycemic vegetable juice. One cup of tomato juice provides 41 calories and contains 24mg of calcium, 45mg of vitamin C and almost 22,000mcg of lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant that may reduce your risk of cancer. Research by Edward Giovannucci published in the "Journal of the National Cancer Institute" in 2002 found that frequent consumption of tomato products is associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer. Consumption of tomato juice increases plasma levels of lycopene by 300 percent, reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the bad cholesterol, and decreasing the risk of heart attack in patients with Type 2 diabetes, according to research by Jenine Upritch published in "Diabetes Care" in 2000.

Water

Water hydrates the body and does not contain any sugars, fats or calories. Depending on the source, some water may be contaminated with impure or dangerous substances. Drinking distilled or fresh spring water may provide a healthier choice. Distilled water may help prevent the accelerated aging affects of diabetes, including joint, vascular and nervous system disorders.

Black Tea

Black tea has a strong and distinct taste, and you can drink it warm or cold. Black tea also provides health benefits for diabetics. Research by Tirang Neyestani, published in the "Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism" in 2010, discovered that regular intake of black tea extract has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in patients with Type 2 diabetes that underlies the protective effects of drinking tea against cardiovascular disease.