What Drink Is Best For A Diabetic?

After a diabetes diagnosis, a diet adjustment is generally necessary. To maintain safe and healthy blood sugar levels, diabetics must carefully balance the foods they consume with their medications and physical activity. Adjusting your diet often requires an adjustment in the types of beverages you drink daily. When determining the best types of drinks for diabetics, the sugar and carbohydrate levels remain an important factor.

Soft Drinks

The "soft drinks" category encompasses far more beverages than soda. In fact, the Harvard School of Public Health explains that any beverage with added sugar or sweetener -- such as fruit punch, lemonade, sports drinks and energy drinks -- fall under the soft drink category. The HSPH website goes on to explain that the average soft drink contains about 10 tsp. of sugar, which can cause a dangerous blood sugar spike for diabetics. Ideally, diabetics should consider soft drinks a "treat" and only consume them sparingly. However, if you are going to drink soft drinks at any time, opt for the diet or sugar-free beverages.

Juice & Milk

For diabetics, juice and milk can be either healthy or unhealthy beverage choices. Both beverages offer plentiful nutrients and health benefits. However, they can also deliver fat, sodium and sugar -- all of which can be detrimental for diabetics. Before drinking juice, check the nutrition and ingredients label. Choose a juice beverage that is low in carbohydrates, sugar and sodium. In regards to milk, diabetics should opt for the low-fat or non-fat versions. When drinking juice or milk, a smaller portion of just 8-oz. is ideal to prevent a blood sugar spike.

Tea & Coffee

Tea and coffee are not only free of calories and sugar, but they are also full of healthy antioxidants and flavonoids. Diabetics should feel free to drink unsweetened coffee and tea throughout the day. If you can't handle the unsweetened versions, try adding a splash of low-fat milk. Ideally, diabetics should avoid using sugar, cream or honey to sweeten their tea and coffee. Also, avoid drinking prepackaged bottles of tea and coffee, as they often contain added sugars and sweeteners.

Alcohol

According to the American Diabetes Association, alcohol can cause blood sugar levels to drop for up to 12 hours after drinking. To be safe, always check your blood sugar levels before consuming alcohol. If your blood glucose level is already low or you have not eaten in a few hours, avoid the alcohol. If your glucose level is within a healthy range -- typically 100 to 140 mg/dL for diabetics -- sip the drink slowly and snack on popcorn or vegetables as you drink to prevent rapid shifts in your blood sugar level. Men should not exceed two alcoholic beverages per day, while women should not exceed one. One alcoholic drink is equivalent to a 12-oz. beer, 5-oz. glass of wine, or 1.5-oz. shot of distilled spirits.

Water

Whether you are a diabetic or not, water is perhaps the most important and beneficial beverage you can consume. Water is essential for nearly all of the body's functions. Along with ensuring optimal functioning of the cardiovascular, nervous and respiratory systems, water ensures proper digestion, healthy skin and nails, and blood sugar control. If plain water is a bit too boring for your tastes, jazz it up by adding slices of lemon, lime, strawberries, peaches or cucumbers.