Is green tea good for diabetics. Green Tea for Diabetes: Benefits, Management, and Prevention

11.03.202214.07.2023 by alexxlab

How can green tea help manage diabetes. What are the potential benefits of green tea for diabetics. Can green tea prevent diabetes. How does green tea affect blood sugar levels. What is the recommended intake of green tea for diabetics.

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The Potential of Green Tea in Diabetes Management

Diabetes affects nearly 10% of the U.S. population, according to the American Diabetes Foundation. For those living with this condition, regulating blood sugar is a constant priority. While medications and insulin injections are often necessary, emerging research suggests that green tea could play a beneficial role in diabetes management and prevention.

Several studies have indicated that green tea may effectively control diabetes and improve insulin sensitivity. The mechanisms behind these effects are not fully understood, but researchers believe that catechins, compounds also responsible for green tea’s anticancer and heart health benefits, may be the key players.

Understanding Diabetes: Types and Challenges

To appreciate how green tea might help, it’s essential to understand the basics of diabetes:

Type 2 Diabetes: This form accounts for 90-95% of diabetes cases in the U.S. It’s characterized by insulin resistance, where cells become less responsive to insulin, making blood sugar control difficult.
Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing pancreatic cells.

In both types, the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar is compromised, leading to various health complications if not managed properly.

Green Tea’s Role in Diabetes Prevention

Research suggests that green tea may help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes:

A Japanese study found that individuals consuming six or more cups of green tea daily had a 33% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who drank only one cup per week.
Another study revealed that consistent green tea consumption over a decade was associated with smaller waist circumferences and lower body fat levels, potentially reducing obesity risk – a significant factor in type 2 diabetes development.

Managing Blood Sugar with Green Tea

For those already diagnosed with diabetes, green tea may offer benefits in blood sugar management:

A comprehensive review found that green tea consumption was associated with decreased fasting glucose levels, lower A1C levels, and reduced fasting insulin levels – all important markers of diabetes health.
The antioxidant activity of polyphenols and polysaccharides in green tea is believed to contribute to these benefits.

How much green tea should a person with diabetes drink? While there’s no universally agreed-upon amount, the studies showing benefits typically involved consuming 3-6 cups daily. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or diabetes management plan.

The Science Behind Green Tea’s Effects on Diabetes

Green tea’s potential benefits for diabetes management are attributed to its rich content of bioactive compounds, particularly catechins. These polyphenols have been shown to have various effects that may benefit people with diabetes:

Improved insulin sensitivity: Catechins may help cells respond better to insulin, allowing for more efficient glucose uptake.
Reduced glucose production: Some studies suggest that green tea compounds may inhibit certain enzymes involved in glucose production in the liver.
Anti-inflammatory effects: Chronic inflammation is often associated with insulin resistance, and green tea’s anti-inflammatory properties may help mitigate this.
Antioxidant activity: Oxidative stress plays a role in diabetes complications, and green tea’s potent antioxidants may help protect against cellular damage.

EGCG: The Star Compound

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant and potent catechin in green tea. Research has shown that EGCG may:

Mimic insulin’s effects by increasing glucose uptake in cells
Reduce glucose production in the liver
Protect pancreatic beta cells from oxidative stress

These effects collectively contribute to better blood sugar control and potentially slower progression of diabetes.

Green Tea and Weight Management in Diabetes

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for diabetes management, and green tea may offer support in this area:

Metabolism boost: Green tea has been shown to increase metabolic rate, potentially aiding in weight loss or maintenance.
Fat oxidation: Some studies suggest that green tea can enhance the body’s ability to burn fat, particularly during exercise.
Appetite regulation: There’s some evidence that green tea may help regulate appetite, potentially reducing overall calorie intake.

While green tea shouldn’t be considered a weight loss miracle, its potential to support healthy weight management could be particularly beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.

Incorporating Green Tea into a Diabetes Management Plan

For individuals with diabetes looking to incorporate green tea into their management plan, consider the following tips:

Choose plain green tea: Avoid adding sugar, honey, or other sweeteners that can affect blood glucose levels.
Be consistent: Regular consumption appears to be key in realizing potential benefits.
Monitor your response: Keep track of how green tea affects your blood sugar levels, as individual responses may vary.
Consider timing: Some people find that drinking green tea with meals helps mitigate post-meal blood sugar spikes.
Explore varieties: From traditional loose leaf to matcha powder, there are many ways to enjoy green tea.

Is there a best time to drink green tea for diabetes management? While research isn’t conclusive, some studies suggest that consuming green tea before or during meals may help reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes. However, it’s important to find a routine that works for you and fits into your overall diabetes management plan.

Potential Considerations and Precautions

While green tea offers potential benefits for diabetes management, it’s important to consider some precautions:

Caffeine content: Green tea contains caffeine, which can affect blood sugar levels in some individuals. Those sensitive to caffeine should monitor their intake.
Interaction with medications: Green tea may interact with certain medications, including some used to treat diabetes. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or supplement regimen.
Quality matters: Choose high-quality green tea from reputable sources to ensure you’re getting the maximum potential benefits without unwanted additives.
Not a replacement for medication: While green tea may offer support in diabetes management, it should not be considered a replacement for prescribed medications or insulin therapy.

Can green tea interfere with diabetes medications? Some studies suggest that green tea may enhance the effects of certain diabetes medications, potentially leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It’s crucial to work with your healthcare provider to monitor your blood sugar levels and adjust your treatment plan if you decide to incorporate green tea regularly.

Beyond Diabetes: Green Tea’s Other Health Benefits

The potential benefits of green tea extend beyond diabetes management. Regular consumption has been associated with various health improvements:

Cardiovascular health: Green tea may help lower the risk of heart disease by improving cholesterol levels and reducing blood pressure.
Cancer prevention: Some studies suggest that the antioxidants in green tea may help prevent the development and progression of certain types of cancer.
Brain function: The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in green tea may improve cognitive performance and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Dental health: Catechins in green tea have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria associated with tooth decay and bad breath.
Bone density: Some research indicates that green tea consumption may help maintain bone density, potentially reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

How does green tea compare to other teas in terms of health benefits? While all true teas (from the Camellia sinensis plant) offer health benefits, green tea is particularly rich in catechins due to its minimal processing. This gives it an edge in terms of antioxidant content and potential health effects compared to more oxidized teas like black or oolong.

The Importance of a Holistic Approach

While green tea shows promise in supporting diabetes management and overall health, it’s crucial to view it as part of a comprehensive approach to wellness. A balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress management, and adherence to prescribed medical treatments remain the cornerstones of effective diabetes care.

Incorporating green tea into your routine may offer additional support, but it should complement, not replace, these fundamental aspects of diabetes management. Always work closely with your healthcare team to develop and adjust your diabetes care plan, ensuring that any dietary changes, including increased green tea consumption, align with your overall health goals and medical needs.

Exploring Different Types of Green Tea

Green tea comes in various forms, each with its unique characteristics and potential benefits:

Sencha: The most common type of green tea in Japan, known for its balanced flavor and rich antioxidant content.
Matcha: A powdered form of green tea where the entire leaf is consumed, offering a more concentrated dose of nutrients.
Gyokuro: A shade-grown tea with a sweeter flavor and higher caffeine content compared to other green teas.
Longjing (Dragon Well): A popular Chinese green tea known for its flat, pan-roasted leaves and nutty flavor.
Genmaicha: Green tea mixed with roasted brown rice, offering a unique flavor profile and potentially gentler effects on blood sugar due to the added rice.

Which type of green tea is best for diabetes management? While all green teas offer potential benefits, some research suggests that matcha may be particularly effective due to its higher concentration of catechins. However, the best choice ultimately depends on personal preference and how your body responds to different varieties.

Brewing Methods and Their Impact

The way you prepare your green tea can affect its potential health benefits:

Water temperature: Using water that’s too hot can destroy some of the beneficial compounds in green tea. Aim for water between 160째F and 180째F (71째C to 82째C).
Steeping time: Longer steeping times may extract more catechins but can also lead to a bitter taste. Most green teas are best steeped for 2-3 minutes.
Frequency: Drinking green tea regularly throughout the day may provide more consistent benefits compared to consuming a large amount at once.

Can cold-brewed green tea offer the same benefits? Cold brewing can actually result in a higher concentration of certain antioxidants compared to hot brewing. It may also produce a smoother, less bitter taste, making it an excellent option for those who find hot green tea too astringent.

Green Tea Supplements: A Viable Alternative?

For those who don’t enjoy drinking tea or are looking for a more concentrated form of green tea’s beneficial compounds, supplements are available. These typically come in the form of capsules or extracts containing concentrated green tea catechins, particularly EGCG.

However, it’s important to approach supplements with caution:

Variability in quality: The concentration and purity of green tea extracts can vary significantly between products.
Potential side effects: Concentrated supplements may be more likely to cause side effects, particularly liver problems in rare cases.
Interaction with medications: Green tea supplements may interact more strongly with certain medications compared to drinking green tea.

Are green tea supplements as effective as drinking green tea for diabetes management? While supplements can provide a concentrated dose of catechins, they may lack other beneficial compounds found in whole green tea. Additionally, the body may absorb and utilize these compounds differently when consumed as a supplement versus as a beverage. It’s generally recommended to opt for whole green tea when possible, but supplements may be a viable alternative for some individuals under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

The Future of Green Tea Research in Diabetes

As interest in natural approaches to diabetes management grows, research into green tea’s potential continues to expand. Future studies may focus on:

Optimal dosage: Determining the ideal amount of green tea or specific compounds for maximum benefit in diabetes management.
Long-term effects: Investigating the long-term impact of regular green tea consumption on diabetes progression and complications.
Personalized approaches: Exploring how individual factors like genetics and gut microbiome may influence the effects of green tea on diabetes.
Combination therapies: Studying how green tea might synergize with other natural compounds or conventional treatments to enhance diabetes care.

While current research is promising, ongoing studies will help refine our understanding of how green tea can best be utilized in diabetes prevention and management.

Green Tea and Diabetes: Prevention and Management

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Medically reviewed by Peggy Pletcher, M. S., R.D., L.D., CDE — By Anna Schaefer — Updated on August 20, 2018

Nearly 10 percent of people in the United States have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Foundation.

When you have diabetes, life becomes all about regulating your blood sugar to stay healthy. And while many must turn to medication and insulin injections, there is evidence to suggest that drinking green tea could make diabetes management easier.

Several studies have pointed to green tea as a potentially effective method of controlling diabetes, and even improving insulin sensitivity. Just how it works isn’t completely clear, but it’s believed catechins within the tea — also responsible for its anticancer and heart health benefits — may be responsible.

When you eat foods with carbohydrates, they are digested into sugar. In response, the pancreas releases insulin to help cells absorb glucose to be used as fuel. However, when you have diabetes, the process is hindered.

People with type 2 diabetes have cells that are desensitized to insulin, which is known as insulin resistance. This, and the fact that the pancreas often stops releasing enough insulin, makes their blood sugar levels difficult to control.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease; the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin are attacked and killed by the body’s immune system, and simply do not produce insulin at all.

8 Essential Benefits of Green Tea »

Most studies on the effects of green tea in people with diabetes have focused on type 2 diabetes, as it is more common, accounting for 90 to 95 percent of the diabetes seen in the United States.

There are indications that green tea can reduce the risk of developing diabetes. According to one study in Japan, people who drank six or more cups of green tea daily were 33 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than people who drank just one cup per week.

Another study found that people who drank green tea consistently for a period of 10 years had smaller waist circumferences and lower body fat levels, showing that the tea may play a role in reducing obesity risk.

But tea’s benefits don’t stop at prevention. For people already diagnosed with diabetes, green tea may be able to help manage blood sugar levels.

According to a comprehensive review, green tea consumption is associated with decreased fasting glucose levels and A1C levels, as well as reduced fasting insulin levels, which are a measurement of diabetes health. While not all studies have shown these positive results, green tea has still been shown to be beneficial in other ways.

The Pacific College of Oriental Medicine suggests that the antioxidant activity of polyphenols and polysaccharides are to credit for these benefits. These same antioxidants are credited with anticancer, cholesterol lowering, and blood pressure management benefits.

If you have diabetes and want to reap the potential benefits of green tea, steer clear of additions that can cause blood glucose changes. It’s best to drink the mild-tasting tea plain, instead of diluting it with milk or sweetening it with sugar.

The 1-Hour Effects of AriZona Green Tea »

Teabags are just fine (loose leaf is best), but if you want to enjoy a fresher, green flavor, you can buy traditional matcha green tea online and in specialty shops. Matcha is a green tea powder, traditionally used in Chinese tea ceremonies. It is prepared with a small bowl and bamboo whisk, though a spoon or wire whisk can work in a pinch. Because the tea is more concentrated in a matcha powder, you may reap additional benefits over bagged green tea.

Last medically reviewed on February 29, 2016

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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Medically reviewed by Peggy Pletcher, M.S., R.D., L.D., CDE — By Anna Schaefer — Updated on August 20, 2018

Is Green Tea Good for Type 2 Diabetes?

By now, you’ve probably heard about the wonders that green tea can do for a body. Researchers have studied this nutritional powerhouse’s potential role in boosting heart health, fighting infection, and even improving brain function, a review published in Chinese Medicine suggests. But does the beverage also have a place in a type 2 diabetes diet? Turns out, it can.

The Importance of Choosing Good Drinks for Diabetes

When you have type 2 diabetes, your body’s cells can no longer efficiently absorb blood sugar (glucose), the body’s main energy source, due to a condition called insulin resistance. Insulin resistance leads to an elevated blood glucose level (called hyperglycemia), which increases the risk for diabetes complications, including heart disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage (neuropathy).

What you choose to eat and drink can affect your blood sugar level dramatically, the Mayo Clinic points out. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes that one of the main drivers behind the obesity and diabetes epidemic is added sugar — namely, the added sugar in popular sips like sports drinks, soda, and fruit juice. It’s this very aspect of your diet where green tea can be helpful in stabilizing blood sugar.

RELATED: The Best and Worst Drinks for Type 2 Diabetes

The Science-Backed Health Benefits of Green Tea for Diabetes

There’s a wealth of research on how green tea may help with weight loss and thus help people with type 2 diabetes get their blood sugar under control. It depends on the variety, but a plain cup of green tea from a steeped bag contains 0 calories, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrition data. That means it’s a great alternative to sugary and caloric sodas and energy drinks.

“When you lose weight, you increase your insulin sensitivity and will have a lower blood sugar level,” says Sandra Arevalo, MPH, RDN, a certified diabetes educator based in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and spokesperson for the American Association of Diabetes Educators. A study published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences looked at different doses of green tea in 63 people with type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that drinking 4 cups per day was linked to weight loss and lower blood pressure.

Toby Smithson, RDN, CDE, author of Diabetes Meal Planning and Nutrition for Dummies, explains that the catechins in green tea help reduce the effects of insulin resistance by decreasing the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. (Catechins are a type of antioxidant.) A study published in September 2014 in the Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences suggests that drinking green tea regularly — participants drank a 150-milliliter infusion three times per day for four weeks — had a positive effect on insulin resistance in people with diabetes and increased their HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels. An infusion of 3 grams (g) of tea leaves in 5 ounces of water is stronger than a regular cup of green tea (2 g of tea leaves brewed in 8 ounces of water), but Smithson, who is also based in Hilton Head, South Carolina, says it’s possible to get the same benefits listed in the study by drinking several cups of regular green tea per day. But, she points out, green tea alone is unlikely to control blood sugar and cholesterol levels — you’ll need to eat a balanced diet that’s low in added sugars, simple carbohydrates, and saturated fat and monitor your numbers regularly.

RELATED: 10 Surprising Causes of Blood Sugar Swings You Probably Didn’t Know

Drinking green tea may also decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, some scientific literature suggests. Research in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that people in Japan who drank 6 or more cups of green tea per day were 33 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared with people who drank less than 1 cup per week when adjusting for confounding factors like age and body mass index.

Green tea has a powerful antioxidant called polyphenol, which may give it anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering benefits, according to a review published in November 2014 in the Journal of Food Processing and Technology. Polyphenols come from plants and help protect our cells from damage. Green tea has a few different types that make up around 40 percent of its dry weight.

In addition, green tea may have a calming effect on the mind and body. It contains the amino acid L-theanine, which Smithson says has a calming effect. According to a study published in October 2012 in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology, L-theanine may help reduce anxiety and prevent stress-related increases in blood pressure. “Having a chronic condition like diabetes can add stress and anxiety, so drinking a cup of green tea can offer a benefit of calmness,” she adds.

How Much Green Tea Should You Drink If You Have Diabetes?

Research suggests that there aren’t negative effects to drinking green tea, as long as you’re not adding sugar, says Winonah Hoffman, RN, nursing manager at Austin Regional Clinic in Austin, Texas. When treating people with diabetes, Hoffman recommends never adding sugar to drinks; instead, she advises drinking unsweetened tea or tea with sugar alternatives, like stevia.

Stevia is a sugar substitute that comes from the leaves of the stevia plant. Hoffman likes it as an option for people with diabetes because it has less than 1 calorie and no carbs per packet. A study published in the journal Appetite suggests that of the low-calorie sweeteners commonly used by people with diabetes (including aspartame and sucrose), stevia was the only one shown to lower blood sugar and insulin levels after a meal.

RELATED: 5 Sugar Substitutes for Type 2 Diabetes

If you find green tea to be too bitter, forgo using honey or table sugar (brown or white) and instead opt for a sweetener such as stevia.

When drinking green tea, the other thing to keep in mind is caffeine, which can affect blood sugar and blood pressure. The latter is of particular concern for people with type 2 diabetes, who are 2 to 4 times as likely to die of heart disease compared with people without type 2 diabetes, according to the American Heart Association.

A good way to see how you respond to the amount of caffeine in green tea is to check your blood sugar before drinking the tea and then one to two hours afterward, says Smithson. If you’re still in your target range before and after, you haven’t hit your limit. Smithson also recommends using a home blood pressure cuff to monitor blood pressure.

The good news is that green tea has much less caffeine than coffee or black tea. According to the Mayo Clinic, there’s about 25 to 29 milligrams (mg) per 8 ounces of brewed green tea compared with 95 to 165 mg for the same amount of brewed coffee and 25 to 48 mg for brewed black tea.

But if your body is sensitive to caffeine, it could still be a problem. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to your individual reaction.

Other Teas to Try to Better Manage Type 2 Diabetes

The difference between green, oolong, and black tea is how they’re processed. Green tea is made from fresh leaves, which are steamed to prevent fermentation. The tea keeps its green color and antioxidant compounds. Oolong tea is slightly fermented, and black tea is fully fermented.

Some people prefer black or oolong teas because they’re milder in taste (green tea can be a bit more bitter), says Hoffman. Compared with green tea, black and oolong teas don’t have the same antioxidant levels and have slightly more caffeine, but that doesn’t mean they’re a bad choice.

If you are sensitive to caffeine, herbal teas can be a great substitute. They don’t contain caffeine and can be rich with flavor. On this note, Arevalo recommends cinnamon tea for people with type 2 diabetes — for both taste and possible health benefits (cinnamon is packed with antioxidants). There’s also some evidence that cinnamon might help control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes in larger amounts.

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Drinks for diabetes | CPC

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What and how much to drink if you have diabetes

1. Coffee

Studies have shown that moderate consumption of decaffeinated coffee can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in middle-aged and young women. However, excessive coffee consumption can increase blood sugar levels. Coffee contains the compound chlorogenic acid, which helps delay the absorption of glucose into the blood. In addition, coffee is carb- and calorie-free, making it one of the best drinks for diabetics. Thus, you should enjoy 1-2 cups of coffee a day without sugar and milk. This is because adding sugar, milk or cream to your coffee can increase your total calories and affect your blood sugar levels.

2. Milk

Milk is known to be a healthy drink for children and also for diabetics. Studies show that eating low-fat dairy products reduces the incidence and mortality of diabetes. Milk promotes weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes and supports basic bodily functions. Skimmed and non-fat milk is considered one of the healthiest drinks for diabetes and helps lower high blood pressure. Thus, you should take 2-3 servings of dairy products on a regular basis.

3. Green tea

One of the best healthy drinks for diabetics is green tea because it has no carbohydrates and no calories. Thus, diabetic patients can drink unlimited amounts of green tea. According to a study, green tea may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and blood pressure. Green tea is rich in antioxidants that help neutralize inflammatory effects and protect against coronary heart disease. In addition, tea – both black and green – comes with polysaccharides that help slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. It is recommended to drink 4-5 cups of green tea a day to reduce the risk of developing diabetes and control diabetes. You should avoid sweeteners whether you choose black, green or herbal teas.

4. Water

Water is one of the best drinks for diabetics because it does not raise blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can cause dehydration. Drinking enough water can help the body remove excess glucose through the urine. Men should consume about 10 glasses of water a day, and women about 8 glasses. If plain water doesn’t work for you, you can create some variety by adding sprigs of aromatic herbs such as basil, mint, adding lime, lemon or orange slices, or crushing a few frozen or fresh raspberries into a drink.

5. Bitter gourd juice

Bitter gourd is an effective medicine for people suffering from anemia and diabetes. According to a study, bitter gourd juice has a beneficial effect on glucose tolerance. In addition, it contains a hypoglycemic substance, so it helps to reduce the level of sugar in the urine and in the blood. To prepare this juice, you first need to wash the bitter gourd and then peel its upper skin. Then cut it into small pieces, sprinkle with salt and rub with turmeric. Let it stand for a few minutes and extract the juice. Mix all parts in a mixer properly. Add some fresh lemon juice for flavor and tangy aroma.

6. Cucumber juice

Cucumber is enriched with calcium, iron, phosphorus, amino acids, aromatic substances, vitamins A, C, B ₁ and B ₂, which effectively improves human health. In addition, it has powerful effects that can eliminate inflammation, treat arthritis, and as a diuretic reduce swelling. Cucumber pulp extract has been shown to help lower blood sugar levels, according to research. Therefore, diabetic patients should drink cucumber juice frequently to provide the body with essential nutrients.

7. Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea is rich in antioxidants and contains no calories, making it one of the best drinks for diabetics. According to a recent study, chamomile tea has some positive effects on glycemic control and serum lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes. According to another study, regular consumption of chamomile tea can help lower blood sugar levels and prevent complications such as nerve and circulatory damage, blindness, and kidney disease. In addition, chamomile contains antimicrobial and antioxidant agents that help reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of high cholesterol and cancer.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar

This great blend helps control blood sugar levels. It also helps improve insulin sensitivity and suppress complex post-meal sugar activity. In addition, it helps in weight loss and metabolism. According to a study conducted by scientists from Arizona State University, taking 20 g of apple cider vinegar diluted in 40 g of water with 1 tsp. saccharin, may lower blood sugar levels after meals. You can drink a mixture of apple cider vinegar with lime, cinnamon and lemon for a better taste.

Drinks to Avoid with Diabetes

Patients with diabetes should avoid some certain drinks, such as soda, sugary soft drinks, energy drinks, and fruit juices, because these drinks are full of hundreds of calories and high in sugar.

1. Energy drinks

Energy drinks often contain high levels of caffeine, carbohydrates and refined sugar, making them harmful to diabetics. In addition, energy drinks are high in carbohydrates and caffeine. According to a study, energy drinks cause insulin resistance and increase blood sugar levels. This may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In addition, too much caffeine can lead to insomnia, nervousness, and high blood pressure. Therefore, diabetic patients should avoid energy drinks.

2. Diet soda

Generally, diet soda contains artificial sweeteners that can attack bacteria in the gut. As a result, insulin resistance may increase, which can lead to or worsen diabetes. A study found that consumption of diet soda increased the risk of metabolic syndrome. Basically, this syndrome refers to various conditions such as high blood pressure, high triglycerides, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and weight gain.

3. Alcoholic beverages

Studies have shown that excessive alcohol consumption has increased the risk of type 2 diabetes in men. While moderate alcohol consumption has a beneficial effect on blood sugar levels. Beer and sweet wines are rich in sugar, which adds glucose to your bloodstream. You should consult your doctor to determine which alcoholic beverages are safe for you.

4. Fruit juices

Although fruit juice is full of healthy vitamins, it is not a healthy drink for diabetics, as even 100% fruit juice contains fruit sugar, which causes a sudden increase in blood glucose levels, which is bad for diabetic patients. Therefore, it is better to consume whole fruits, which contain healthy carbohydrates rich in fiber. Drink juice that is sugar-free and 100% pure.

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The doctor named six types of tea that are good for diabetics to drink – Gazeta.Ru

The doctor named six types of tea that are useful for diabetics to drink – Gazeta.Ru | News

August 05, 2022, 21:40

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Some types of tea, when used correctly, have a positive effect on the condition of patients with diabetes. Olga Kashlyak, a pediatrician and expert at the Dia Talks project lecture hall for diabetics, spoke about this in an interview with Gazeta.Ru.

The expert named six types of drink that people who have problems with high blood sugar should drink. The first drink on the list is green tea. Kashlyak noted that there are studies that say that green tea slightly, but lowers the current blood sugar level, and also reduces the likelihood of developing this disease.

“Please note that all studies show the average amount of tea required to observe beneficial effects is 3-4 tea cups,” the specialist emphasized.

Beneficial for diabetics and Hibiscus tea (hibiscus petals). The main effect of its use is a decrease in blood pressure. The doctor recalled that high blood pressure is often found in people with diabetes. 240 milliliters of tea twice a day for a month helps to significantly reduce systolic blood pressure.

“Hibiscus helps reduce insulin resistance. But note that this tea can interact with hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic prescribed for patients with high blood pressure, ”the specialist warned.

Lemon balm tea and chamomile tea should also be included in the diet for those who are worried about their health. The first, due to the essential oils of lemon balm, stimulates the absorption of glucose and inhibits the synthesis of glucose, which leads to a decrease in blood sugar levels . The second one optimizes blood sugar control and also protects against oxidative stress, an imbalance that can lead to complications associated with diabetes.

Cinnamon tea is great for diabetic patients – the spice in the drink slows down the release of sugar into the bloodstream and enhances the absorption of glucose by cells, increasing sensitivity to insulin.

In conclusion, Kashlyak advised me to try turmeric tea. A 2020 study found that curcumin intake was associated with significant reductions in blood sugar and lipid levels.