The Best Liquids To Drink If You Are Diabetic

Diabetes affects 18.8 million people in the United States. An additional estimated 7 million have the disease but have not yet been diagnosed, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse's 2011 statistics. Staying hydrated is important for diabetics, who may lose excess water through urine when blood glucose levels are elevated. But choosing the right beverage is important. Drink water or low-sugar alternatives to keep your hydration and blood sugar in check.

Water

Water is hands-down the best beverage for your health, but it is especially important for a diabetic. As you are more prone to losing fluids and dehydration, monitoring adequate water intake is important. If planning to exercise, drink about 17 oz. two hours beforehand to ensure hydration during your workout. Water has no calories, no carbohydrates and no sugar, so you won't be hurting your blood sugar levels while satisfying your thirst.

Electrolyte Replacement

When your blood sugar is high, you may excrete more water than usual, resulting in a greater likelihood of dehydration if those fluids are not regularly replaced. If you become mildly dehydrated, you may drink extra water with a little salt, or a sports drink, to help balance your electrolytes. Sports drinks should be sugar-free to hydrate your body while not causing a spike in blood glucose levels. Moderate to severe symptoms of dehydration should be monitored by your doctor; dehydration can present serious health risks.

Noncaffeinated Beverages

Choose drinks without caffeine, and limit serving sizes where you do have caffeine. Caffeine may contribute to high blood glucose, according to the Mayo Clinic. Although caffeine doesn't directly increase blood sugar, it does impair insulin. The Mayo Clinic advises that approximately 250 mg of caffeine, the equivalent of 2 c to 2 1/2 c of brewed coffee, can have a detectable impact on your blood sugar. This may increase if milk, cream, sugar or flavorings are added to the coffee.

Sugar Free

Avoid sugary beverages, including soft drinks, alcohols and specialty coffee beverages. A single can of root beer can have 52.26 g of sugar. Carbohydrates and sugars from beverages can increase a diabetic's blood sugar levels, because they are quickly broken down into glucose. Instead, choose diet or sugar-free alternatives when you drink soft drinks or specialty coffees.

Other Beverages

You can drink milk, but no more than one or two glasses a day of skim or low-fat. Milk has carbohydrates, and is broken down to sugar quickly in the body. Drink fruit juices in moderation, paying attention to carbohydrate content. Select juices that do not have added sugar -- or stick to whole fruit. Drink alcohol only in moderation, with special consideration given to carbohydrate and sugar content. All alcoholic beverages are not equal; choose those with low-sugar or low-carbohydrate content, and read the label to ensure proper accounting of each.