How can tea benefit people with diabetes. What are the potential risks of consuming tea for diabetics. Which types of tea are most effective for managing diabetes symptoms. How does tea consumption impact blood sugar levels in diabetic individuals. What role does tea play in overall diabetes management strategies.

Understanding the Impact of Tea on Diabetes

Tea, a beverage enjoyed by over two-thirds of the global population, has gained attention for its potential benefits in diabetes management. With numerous varieties available, each offering unique health properties, tea has become a subject of interest for those seeking natural ways to support their diabetes care regimen.

Diabetes, characterized by chronically high blood sugar levels, requires careful management of diet and lifestyle. The choice of beverages plays a crucial role in this management, and tea emerges as a promising option due to its low calorie content and potential health-promoting compounds.

Can tea help regulate blood sugar levels?

Research suggests that certain teas may indeed help regulate blood sugar levels. The compounds found in various tea types have been shown to:

• Enhance insulin sensitivity
• Reduce inflammation
• Promote better blood sugar control
• Fight cellular damage

These properties make tea an attractive addition to a diabetes management plan.

The Hydration Factor: Tea’s Role in Diabetes Care

Proper hydration is essential for overall health, but it takes on added importance for individuals with diabetes. Dehydration has been linked to elevated blood sugar levels, underscoring the need for consistent fluid intake.

Unsweetened tea serves as an excellent hydration source, offering a flavorful alternative to plain water without adding calories or carbohydrates. By choosing tea over sugary beverages, people with diabetes can maintain proper hydration while avoiding blood sugar spikes often associated with sweetened drinks.

How much tea should diabetics drink daily?

While individual needs may vary, many studies suggest consuming 3-4 cups of tea per day to experience notable benefits. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate amount based on personal health factors and medication regimens.

Green Tea: A Powerhouse for Diabetes Management

Green tea stands out as a particularly beneficial option for individuals with diabetes. Its rich content of bioactive compounds, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), contributes to its potential in diabetes care.

What makes green tea effective for blood sugar control?

Green tea’s effectiveness in blood sugar control can be attributed to several factors:

1. EGCG stimulates glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells, potentially lowering blood sugar levels
2. Anti-inflammatory properties help reduce systemic inflammation often associated with diabetes
3. Antioxidants in green tea combat cellular damage caused by oxidative stress

These combined effects make green tea a valuable addition to a diabetes management plan.

A comprehensive review of 17 studies involving 1,133 participants found that regular green tea consumption significantly reduced fasting blood sugar levels and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a long-term marker of blood sugar control. Moreover, some research suggests that green tea intake may even help reduce the risk of developing diabetes in the first place.

Black Tea: A Robust Option for Diabetes Care

Black tea, with its bold flavor and rich color, offers its own set of benefits for individuals managing diabetes. The tea’s potent plant compounds, including theaflavins and thearubigins, contribute to its potential in diabetes care.

How does black tea influence carbohydrate metabolism?

Black tea may influence carbohydrate metabolism in several ways:

• Interfering with carbohydrate absorption by suppressing certain enzymes
• Potentially promoting healthy insulin secretion
• Helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels

These effects combine to make black tea a promising option for diabetes management.

A study involving 24 participants, some with prediabetes, found that consuming black tea alongside a sugary drink significantly decreased blood sugar levels compared to a control group. This suggests that black tea may help mitigate the blood sugar impact of high-carbohydrate meals.

Hibiscus Tea: A Colorful Contender in Diabetes Care

Hibiscus tea, also known as sour tea, is derived from the petals of the Hibiscus sabdariffa plant. Its vibrant ruby color and tart flavor are matched by its potential health benefits, particularly for individuals with diabetes.

What unique compounds does hibiscus tea offer?

Hibiscus tea contains a variety of beneficial polyphenol antioxidants, including:

• Organic acids
• Anthocyanins (responsible for its bright color)
• Other flavonoids

These compounds contribute to hibiscus tea’s potential health-promoting properties.

Research has shown that consuming hibiscus tea may have multiple beneficial effects on health, ranging from lowering blood pressure to potentially improving blood sugar control. While more studies are needed to fully understand its impact on diabetes management, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of hibiscus tea make it a promising option for overall health support.

Potential Risks and Considerations for Tea Consumption

While tea offers numerous potential benefits for individuals with diabetes, it’s important to consider possible risks and interactions. As with any dietary change, it’s crucial to approach tea consumption thoughtfully and in consultation with healthcare providers.

Can tea interfere with diabetes medications?

Some teas may interact with certain diabetes medications or affect blood sugar levels in ways that require medication adjustments. For example:

• Green tea may enhance the effects of some diabetes medications, potentially leading to hypoglycemia if not monitored
• Certain herbal teas may interfere with blood sugar control or affect the absorption of medications

It’s essential to discuss tea consumption with a healthcare provider to ensure it complements rather than complicates diabetes management.

Additionally, individuals should be cautious about adding sweeteners or milk to their tea, as these additions can impact blood sugar levels. Opting for unsweetened tea or using diabetes-friendly sweeteners can help maintain the benefits of tea consumption without unwanted blood sugar spikes.

Incorporating Tea into a Diabetes Management Plan

Integrating tea into a diabetes management plan can be a flavorful and potentially beneficial strategy. However, it’s important to approach this integration thoughtfully and in conjunction with other diabetes care practices.

How can tea be used to support overall diabetes management?

Tea can support diabetes management in several ways:

1. As a replacement for high-calorie, sugary beverages
2. As a source of hydration throughout the day
3. As a potential aid in blood sugar control when consumed regularly
4. As part of a overall healthy dietary pattern

The key is to use tea as a complement to, not a replacement for, established diabetes care strategies.

When incorporating tea into a diabetes management plan, consider the following tips:

• Start with small amounts and monitor blood sugar responses
• Choose high-quality, pure teas without added flavors or sweeteners
• Experiment with different types of tea to find enjoyable varieties
• Be consistent with tea consumption to potentially see long-term benefits

Remember that while tea can be a valuable addition to a diabetes care regimen, it should be part of a comprehensive approach that includes proper medication, regular physical activity, and a balanced diet.

The Future of Tea in Diabetes Research

As interest in natural approaches to diabetes management grows, research into the potential of tea continues to expand. While current studies show promising results, ongoing research aims to deepen our understanding of tea’s mechanisms of action and long-term effects on diabetes management.

What areas of tea and diabetes research are currently being explored?

Current areas of research include:

• The impact of specific tea compounds on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
• The potential of tea consumption in preventing diabetes development in at-risk populations
• The long-term effects of regular tea consumption on diabetes-related complications
• The interaction between tea compounds and gut microbiota in relation to diabetes management

These ongoing studies may provide further insights into how tea can be optimally utilized in diabetes care strategies.

As research progresses, it’s likely that we’ll gain a more nuanced understanding of how different tea varieties and preparation methods may benefit individuals with diabetes. This knowledge could lead to more targeted recommendations for incorporating tea into personalized diabetes management plans.

While the current evidence supports the potential benefits of tea for individuals with diabetes, it’s important to approach tea consumption as part of a holistic diabetes management strategy. As with any aspect of diabetes care, individualized approaches based on personal health status, preferences, and medical advice remain crucial for optimal outcomes.

Benefits, Risks, and Types to Try

There are many tea varieties to choose from, some of which offer unique health benefits.

Certain teas may be particularly beneficial for people with diabetes and help promote blood sugar control, reduce inflammation, and enhance insulin sensitivity — all of which are essential for diabetes management.

This article explains the benefits of tea for people with diabetes, lists the best teas to drink for diabetes control, and explains how to enjoy tea in the healthiest and safest way.

Consumed by over two-thirds of the global population, tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world (1).

There are many types of tea, including true teas made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which include black, green, and oolong tea, and herbal teas, such as peppermint and chamomile tea (1).

Both true teas and herbal teas have been associated with a variety of health benefits due to the powerful plant compounds that they contain, and research has shown that some teas have properties that are particularly beneficial for people with diabetes.

Diabetes is a group of conditions characterized by chronically high blood sugar levels resulting from either the inadequate secretion of the blood-sugar-regulating hormone insulin, reduced sensitivity to insulin, or both (2).

For people with diabetes, tight blood sugar regulation is critical, and choosing foods and beverages that optimize healthy blood sugar control is key.

Opting for calorie-free or very low calorie beverages like unsweetened tea over sugary beverages like soda and sweetened coffee drinks is an excellent way to optimize diabetic control.

Plus, some tea varieties contain plant compounds that fight cellular damage and reduce inflammation and blood sugar levels, making them a great choice for people with diabetes (3).

What’s more, drinking unsweetened tea can help keep your body hydrated. Staying properly hydrated is essential for every bodily process, including blood sugar regulation.

In fact, research shows that dehydration is associated with high blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, highlighting the importance of regular fluid intake (4).

Summary

Certain teas contain compounds that may help optimize diabetic control. Plus, drinking tea can help you stay hydrated, which is essential for healthy blood sugar regulation.

Research has shown that certain teas have anti-inflammatory, blood-sugar-lowering, and insulin-sensitizing properties, making them excellent choices for diabetes management.

The following teas are some of the best options for people with diabetes.

Green tea

Green tea offers a multitude of health benefits, some of which are particularly beneficial for those with diabetes. For example, drinking green tea may help reduce cellular damage, decrease inflammation, and optimize blood sugar control (5).

Some of the compounds in green tea, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), have been shown to stimulate the uptake of glucose into skeletal muscle cells, therefore reducing blood sugar levels (6).

A review of 17 studies that included 1,133 people with and without diabetes found that green tea intake significantly reduced fasting blood sugar levels and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a marker of long-term blood sugar control (7).

What’s more, studies show that drinking green tea may help reduce the chances of developing diabetes in the first place (8).

Note that these studies generally advise drinking 3–4 cups of green tea per day to reap the benefits mentioned above.

Black tea

Black tea contains potent plant compounds, including theaflavins and thearubigins, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and blood-sugar-lowering properties (9).

A rodent study suggests that black tea intake interferes with carb absorption by suppressing certain enzymes and may help keep blood sugar levels in check (10).

A study in 24 people, some of whom had prediabetes, demonstrated that consuming black tea beverages alongside a sugary drink significantly decreased blood sugar levels, compared with a control group (9).

Another rodent study suggested black tea may also help encourage healthy insulin secretion by protecting the insulin-secreting cells of the pancreas (10).

Human studies have demonstrated benefits as well, but the mechanism of action is not clear (5).

As is the case with green tea, studies on black tea generally recommend drinking 3–4 cups per day to reap notable benefits.

Hibiscus tea

Hibiscus tea, also known as sour tea, is a brightly colored, tart tea made from the petals of the Hibiscus sabdariffa plant.

Hibiscus petals contain a variety of beneficial polyphenol antioxidants, including organic acids and anthocyanins, which give hibiscus tea its bright ruby color (11).

Consuming hibiscus tea has been shown to have numerous beneficial effects on health, ranging from lowering blood pressure levels to reducing inflammation.

High blood pressure is common in people with diabetes. In fact, it’s estimated that over 73% of Americans with diabetes also have high blood pressure (12, 13, 14).

Drinking hibiscus tea may help those with diabetes control their blood pressure levels.

One study in 60 people with diabetes demonstrated that those who drank 8 ounces (240 mL) of hibiscus tea twice a day for 1 month experienced significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (the top number of blood pressure readings), compared with black tea (15)

Additionally, studies show that hibiscus may help reduce insulin resistance (16, 17, 18, 19).

Note that hibiscus tea may interact with the blood pressure medication hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic commonly prescribed for those with high blood pressure.

Cinnamon tea

Cinnamon is a popular spice that has reported antidiabetic properties.

Many people take concentrated cinnamon supplements to help reduce their blood sugar levels, but studies show that sipping on a cup of cinnamon tea may have benefits as well.

A study in 30 adults with normal blood sugar levels demonstrated that drinking 3.5 ounces (100 mL) of cinnamon tea before ingesting a sugar solution led to decreased blood sugar levels, compared with a control group (20).

Another recent study showed that taking 6 grams of a cinnamon supplement daily for 40 days significantly decreased pre-meal glucose levels in healthy adults (21).

There are several mechanisms by which cinnamon may help reduce blood sugar levels, including slowing the release of sugar into the bloodstream, enhancing cellular glucose uptake, and promoting insulin sensitivity (20).

Nevertheless, a 2013 review found that although cinnamon can significantly benefit fasting blood sugar levels and lipid levels, it doesn’t seem to be effective for controlling average blood sugar or HbA1C (22).

More human research is needed before strong conclusions on cinnamon’s effect on blood sugar levels can be made.

Turmeric tea

Turmeric is a vibrant orange spice that’s well known for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin, the main active component in turmeric, has been studied for its blood-sugar-lowering properties.

Studies suggest that curcumin may promote healthy blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and increasing glucose uptake in tissues (23).

A 2020 review of human and animal studies found that curcumin intake was associated with significantly reduced blood sugar and blood lipid levels (23).

Plus, the review noted that curcumin intake may help reduce cellular damage, decrease levels of pro-inflammatory compounds, and improve kidney function (23).

Turmeric tea can be made at home using turmeric powder or purchased from health food stores.

It should be noted that piperine, a major component of black pepper, significantly increases curcumin bioavailability, so don’t forget to add a sprinkle of black pepper to your turmeric tea for maximum benefits (24).

Lemon balm tea

Lemon balm is a soothing herb that’s part of the mint family. It has a bright lemony scent and is popularly enjoyed as an herbal tea.

Research suggests that lemon balm essential oils may help stimulate glucose uptake and inhibit glucose synthesis in the body, leading to decreases in blood sugar levels (25).

A study in 62 people with type 2 diabetes found that taking 700-mg lemon balm extract capsules daily for 12 weeks significantly reduced fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and markers of inflammation, compared with a placebo group (26).

Although these results are promising, it’s unclear whether drinking lemon balm tea would have the same effect on blood sugar levels.

Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea has been associated with a number of health benefits, including promoting healthy blood sugar regulation.

A study in 64 people with diabetes found that participants who drank 5 ounces (150 mL) of chamomile tea made with 3 grams of chamomile 3 times per day after meals for 8 weeks experienced significant reductions in HbA1c and insulin levels, compared with a control group (27).

Chamomile tea not only has the potential to optimize blood sugar control but also may help protect against oxidative stress, an imbalance that can lead to diabetes-related complications.

The same study mentioned above found that the participants who drank chamomile tea had significant increases in antioxidant levels, including those of glutathione peroxidase, a major antioxidant that helps combat oxidative stress (27).

Summary

Green tea, black tea, hibiscus tea, and chamomile tea, as well as cinnamon, turmeric, and lemon balm, have all been shown to have antidiabetic properties and may be smart beverage options for people with diabetes.

While a variety of teas may improve health in people with diabetes, it’s important to consume tea in a way that promotes healthy blood sugar regulation.

Many people like to sweeten their tea with sugar or honey to enhance the flavor.

While drinking a lightly sweetened beverage occasionally is unlikely to significantly affect blood sugar levels, choosing unsweetened tea is the best choice for people with diabetes.

This is because added sugar, especially in the form of sweetened beverages, causes blood sugar levels to increase, which can lead to poor blood sugar control over time (28).

A diet high in added sugar may also lead to other adverse health effects, such as weight gain and increased blood pressure levels (29, 30).

Drinking unsweetened tea is best for everyone’s health, especially those with altered blood sugar control. If you want to add some flavor to your tea without adding sugar, try a squeeze of lemon or a dash of cinnamon.

Additionally, keep an eye out for added sugars on ingredient and nutrition fact labels when buying pre-bottled tea products.

Another thing to keep in mind when shopping for diabetes-friendly tea is that some herbal teas can interfere with common medications used to treat diabetes.

For example, aloe vera, rooibos, prickly pear, Gymnema sylvestre, and fenugreek are just some of the herbs available in tea form that may interact with common diabetes medications like metformin and glyburide (31, 32, 33).

Given that many herbs have the potential to interact with various medications, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking herbal supplements or drinking a new herbal tea.

Summary

Certain teas may interact with diabetes medication, so it’s important to consult your healthcare provider before adding any new teas to your diet. Choose unsweetened teas whenever possible to optimize blood sugar control and protect overall health.

Certain teas contain powerful compounds that may benefit people with diabetes.

Research suggests that green tea, turmeric tea, hibiscus tea, cinnamon tea, lemon balm tea, chamomile tea, and black tea may offer impressive antidiabetic effects, making them good choices for people with diabetes.

However, it’s important to choose unsweetened tea drinks whenever possible and always check with your healthcare provider before introducing a new herbal tea into your diet.

Read this article in Spanish.

Tea and diabetes: Types, risks, and benefits

Tea is a beverage made by steeping the leaves of the tea plant in boiling water. Many teas, and some herbal infusions, have health-boosting properties and may benefit people with type 2 diabetes.

All true teas, whether black, green, Oolong, or white, come from the same Camellia sinensis plant. However, herbal infusions – sometimes also called teas – are made with different herbs and fruits, such as chamomile, mint, and hibiscus tea.

This article explores the interaction between tea (including infusions) and type 2 diabetes. It also looks at different types of tea and infusions, and the best choices for an individual with type 2 diabetes.

Unsweetened tea or herbal infusions can be a good choice of low-calorie beverage for someone with type 2 diabetes, as the drink does not impact blood sugar levels. They can also help avoid dehydration, which can spike blood sugar levels.

Additionally, teas and infusions may contain active compounds with some health benefits that can help control blood sugar levels and lower inflammation.

About diabetes

There are three major types of diabetes: Type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 2 diabetes affects the way the body uses insulin and is the most common type of diabetes, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

When an individual has type 2 diabetes, their blood glucose level may become too high, and they must regularly monitor and carefully regulate their blood sugar levels.

True tea is made from the leaf of the tea plant, while herbal infusions – also called “tisanes” – are made from any other edible plant, including fruits and herbs.

True tea

Tea is the world’s second-most-popular beverage, consumed by two-thirds of the global population. True tea – black, green, Oolong, and white – is made from the leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). All true teas come from the same plant but undergo different treatment processes.

A 2013 paper concluded that the polyphenols in green and black tea might have protective effects against the development of diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and cancer, and may support cardiovascular health.

Herbal infusions

While herbal or fruit infusions are often referred to as “teas,” they do not contain leaves from the tea plant.

Herbal infusions can be made from the leaves, stems, roots, fruits, buds, and flowers of virtually any edible fruits and herbs. Health benefits vary according to their ingredients and their bioactive compounds.

Tea and herbal infusions may benefit individuals with type 2 diabetes thanks to active plant compounds that help control blood sugar levels and have antioxidant effects.

True tea

In a 2017 review of tea’s antidiabetic effects, the authors concluded that tea contains abundant polyphenols and caffeine that have beneficial antidiabetic effects on type 2 diabetes. Tea compounds with antioxidant effects include theaflavin and thearubigins.

Additionally, the study suggested tea may improve insulin resistance, suppress hyperglycemia, boost immunity, and lessen diabetes-induced nerve cell damage. However, the authors also found inconsistent associations between drinking tea and a reduced risk of developing diabetes.

The authors also note that studies may have different findings because of the varying chemical composition of teas. They highlight the importance of isolating the bioactive compounds in tea to test their antidiabetic effects individually.

Herbal infusions

A 2018 review listed the following health benefits of some common herbal infusions:

• Ginger: Anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic
• Peppermint: Antioxidant and antitumor effects
• Rosehip: Anti-inflammatory
• Sage: Increases liver antioxidants
• Yerba mate: Protects the cardiovascular and hepatic system

Both teas and herbal infusions have potential health benefits for a person with type 2 diabetes:

True tea

Green and black tea protect against the development of several diseases including diabetes.

Green

In a 2019 review of the effects of tea on diabetes, authors highlighted the beneficial effects of green tea on diabetes, including decreasing inflammation and helping control blood sugar.

Green tea may also protect against a person developing diabetes. In a 2017 study of senior Japanese men and women, researchers found that drinking more than 7 cups of green tea each day reduced the risk of developing diabetes associated with rice intake in women.

Black

Black tea may help manage blood sugar levels. In a 2017 study, consuming black tea with a sugary drink significantly decreased post-meal blood sugar levels compared to the control in both healthy and people living with prediabetes.

As with green tea, black tea may play a positive role in protecting against diabetes and its complications, although researchers do not yet fully understand the mechanisms.

Herbal infusions

Herbal infusions are caffeine-free and may be beneficial in helping regulate sugar intake, and improving antioxidant levels. They include these varieties:

Chamomile

Chamomile tea may optimize blood sugar regulation and protect the body from oxidative stress, leading to diabetes complications.

One study of 64 people with diabetes found that those who drank chamomile tea 3 times daily for eight weeks showed significantly improved glycemic control and antioxidant levels. Further research on a larger study group for a longer period may help confirm this effect.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon tea may help reduce blood sugar levels. In a small study of 30 people with normal blood sugar levels, drinking 3.5 ounces of cinnamon tea before drinking a sugar solution resulted in lower blood sugar levels when compared to the control group.

Further research is needed to determine the effects of cinnamon tea.

Hibiscus

As indicated by a 2016 study, and an earlier 2014 study on rats, hibiscus tea may reduce insulin resistance.

Around two-thirds of people with diabetes also have high blood pressure. In an early 2008 study, drinking hibiscus tea twice a day for one month was associated with a reduction in systolic blood pressure in people with diabetes when compared with black tea.

Lemon balm

Lemon balm essential oils may help decrease blood sugar levels by boosting glucose uptake and curbing glucose synthesis. However, these findings are from an older 2010 study in mice.

In a 2018 study of people with type 2 diabetes, consuming lemon balm extract capsules for 12 weeks was linked to improved glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors.

These results suggest that drinking lemon balm tea may have comparable effects, but more studies are necessary.

Turmeric

Turmeric contains the active ingredient curcumin. A 2020 review of human and animal research noted that curcumin intake might reduce blood sugar by improving tissues’ insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake.

Although consuming tea and herbal infusions can be a healthy choice, people should be aware that sweetening their beverages with sugar or honey can affect blood sugar regulation.

A 2014 literature review found that sugar-sweetened beverages might be associated with blood sugar increase, which may be linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

People with type 2 diabetes may want to drink unsweetened tea or herbal infusions to avoid increasing their blood sugar levels. If a person is drinking true tea, they could add lemon, cinnamon, or other fruits and herbs to help flavor the tea without adding sugar.

Packaged tea and herbal infusion products may contain added sugars, so it is essential to check the ingredients.

Additionally, some herbal infusions may interact with diabetes medications. For example, prickly pear may interact with glipizide and metformin, and fenugreek may interact with glibenclamide. Therefore, people should check with their doctor about any possible interactions between their medication and herbal teas.

Tea and herbal infusions are popular beverages that potentially could benefit people with type 2 diabetes.

True teas, such as green, and black tea, may have beneficial effects for a person with type 2 diabetes. Many herbal infusions – including chamomile, turmeric, lemon balm, cinnamon, hibiscus – may also contain compounds with antidiabetic effects.

People with type 2 diabetes should avoid sweetening their tea or herbal infusions with sugar or honey. They should also confirm with their doctor that herbal teas will not interfere with any diabetic medications.

Drinks for diabetes | CPC

Share:

23.10.2019

Adviсe
Family
Health

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.

Share:

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

close

100%

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.