How does tea help prevent and manage type 2 diabetes. What are the best types of tea for diabetics. Can drinking tea regularly reduce the risk of developing diabetes. How do polyphenols in tea affect blood sugar levels. What other foods contain polyphenols that may benefit diabetics.

The Science Behind Tea’s Impact on Diabetes

Tea, particularly green tea, has emerged as a potential ally in the fight against type 2 diabetes. But what makes this beloved beverage so beneficial for blood sugar management? The answer lies in its unique chemical composition and its effects on the human body.

Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, a cardiologist and director of women’s heart health at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, explains: “We know people with diabetes have problems metabolizing sugar. Insulin comes along to decrease sugar, but with type 2 diabetes, the body isn’t so sensitive to insulin, so blood sugar levels go up. Through a complex biochemical reaction, tea — especially green tea — helps sensitize cells so they are better able to metabolize sugar.”

This increased sensitivity to insulin is crucial for people with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition. By improving the body’s ability to process sugar, tea can help maintain more stable blood glucose levels and potentially reduce the need for medication in some cases.

Green Tea: The Diabetes-Fighting Powerhouse

While all types of tea offer health benefits, green tea stands out as particularly effective in diabetes prevention and management. Why is green tea considered superior to other varieties when it comes to blood sugar control?

• Higher polyphenol content: Green tea is made from unfermented leaves, preserving more of its beneficial compounds.
• Lower caffeine levels: Compared to some black teas, green tea typically contains less caffeine, which can be beneficial for overall health.
• Purity: The minimal processing of green tea leaves results in a more concentrated source of beneficial compounds.

Research supports the positive effects of green tea on diabetes risk. A Japanese study found that individuals who consumed six or more cups of green tea daily had a 33% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who drank less than one cup per week. This significant reduction in risk highlights the potential of green tea as a simple yet effective tool in diabetes prevention.

The Role of Polyphenols in Blood Sugar Management

At the heart of tea’s diabetes-fighting properties are compounds called polyphenols. These powerful antioxidants are found in various plant-based foods and beverages, with tea being an exceptionally rich source. But how exactly do polyphenols contribute to better blood sugar control?

1. Reduced oxidative stress: Polyphenols combat harmful free radicals in the body, reducing inflammation and cellular damage.
2. Improved vascular function: These compounds promote vasodilation, widening blood vessels and improving circulation.
3. Cholesterol regulation: Polyphenols can help lower bad cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease often associated with diabetes.
4. Glucose regulation: Certain polyphenols have been shown to directly impact how the body processes and stores glucose.

Dr. Steinbaum emphasizes the importance of these effects: “Polyphenols help reduce oxidative stress and cause vasodilation (widening of the arteries), which decreases blood pressure, prevents clotting, and reduces cholesterol. All of these activities reduce the risk for heart disease, which is elevated in people with diabetes.”

Beyond Tea: Other Polyphenol-Rich Foods for Diabetes Management

While tea is an excellent source of polyphenols, it’s not the only option for those looking to increase their intake of these beneficial compounds. A diverse diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables can provide a wide array of polyphenols, each with its own unique health benefits.

Fruits High in Polyphenols

• Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
• Grapes
• Apples
• Pomegranates
• Citrus fruits (especially blood oranges)
• Kiwis

Vegetables Rich in Polyphenols

• Broccoli
• Onions
• Garlic
• Tomatoes
• Eggplant
• Spinach

Incorporating these foods into a balanced diet can complement the benefits of drinking tea for diabetes management. Additionally, some surprising sources of polyphenols include dark chocolate, red wine (in moderation), and various legumes and nuts.

The Impact of Tea on Weight Management and Diabetes Risk

Obesity is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for both prevention and management of the condition. Can regular tea consumption contribute to weight management efforts?

A Taiwanese study suggests that long-term tea drinkers may indeed have an advantage when it comes to body composition. The research found that individuals who consumed green tea regularly for over a decade had smaller waists and lower body fat percentages compared to those who didn’t drink green tea habitually.

Several factors may contribute to tea’s potential weight management benefits:

• Increased metabolism: Some compounds in tea, particularly green tea, may slightly boost metabolic rate.
• Appetite regulation: Certain teas may help reduce hunger and promote feelings of fullness.
• Hydration: Drinking tea instead of calorie-laden beverages can reduce overall calorie intake.
• Mindful consumption: The ritual of tea drinking may promote more mindful eating habits.

While tea alone is not a magic solution for weight loss, incorporating it into a balanced diet and active lifestyle may support overall weight management efforts, indirectly benefiting diabetes risk and management.

Optimizing Tea Consumption for Diabetes Benefits

To maximize the potential benefits of tea for diabetes prevention and management, consider the following tips:

1. Choose green tea: While all teas offer health benefits, green tea consistently shows the strongest effects on blood sugar control.
2. Opt for loose leaf or high-quality tea bags: These often contain more polyphenols than lower-quality options.
3. Brew properly: Follow recommended steeping times and temperatures to extract the maximum amount of beneficial compounds.
4. Drink consistently: Aim for several cups throughout the day, as regular consumption appears to offer the most significant benefits.
5. Avoid adding sugar: Sweetening your tea can negate its blood sugar-lowering effects. If needed, use a natural, zero-calorie sweetener.
6. Consider cold-brewing: Some studies suggest that cold-brewed green tea may retain more polyphenols than hot-brewed varieties.

Is there an ideal amount of tea to consume for diabetes benefits? While research has shown positive effects with six or more cups per day, even moderate consumption can be beneficial. It’s important to find a balance that works for your lifestyle and doesn’t interfere with sleep or cause excessive caffeine intake.

Integrating Tea into a Comprehensive Diabetes Management Plan

While the potential benefits of tea for diabetes are promising, it’s crucial to view it as part of a holistic approach to blood sugar management. Dr. Steinbaum emphasizes that dietary choices play a significant role in type 2 diabetes: “Type 2 diabetes tends to be driven by dietary lifestyle choices. When we talk about prevention, having a diet filled with polyphenols will help the body better metabolize sugar.”

A comprehensive diabetes management plan should include:

• A balanced, nutrient-rich diet high in fiber and low in processed foods
• Regular physical activity
• Stress management techniques
• Consistent blood sugar monitoring
• Proper medication management (if prescribed)
• Regular check-ups with healthcare providers

Incorporating tea into this plan can provide additional support for blood sugar control and overall health. However, it’s important to remember that tea should complement, not replace, other diabetes management strategies.

The Future of Tea in Diabetes Research and Treatment

As interest in natural approaches to diabetes prevention and management grows, researchers continue to explore the potential of tea and its compounds. Future studies may focus on:

• Isolating specific tea compounds for targeted diabetes therapies
• Developing tea-based supplements or fortified foods
• Investigating the long-term effects of tea consumption on diabetes outcomes
• Exploring potential interactions between tea and diabetes medications
• Examining the effects of different tea varieties and preparation methods on blood sugar control

While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which tea impacts diabetes, the current evidence suggests that this ancient beverage may have a valuable role to play in modern diabetes care.

As we continue to unravel the complexities of diabetes management, the simple act of enjoying a cup of tea may offer more than just comfort—it could be a small yet significant step towards better health for millions affected by this condition.

Why Drinking Tea May Help Prevent and Manage Type 2 Diabetes

The fountain of youth still remains elusive, but there’s something that seems close: green tea. People have been drinking tea for centuries, and today it’s the second most popular drink in the world (after water). Some of that popularity may stem from the many widely recognized benefits of tea, including its reported power to prevent cancer and to sharpen mental health. But tea may offer health benefits related to diabetes, too.

“We know people with diabetes have problems metabolizing sugar,” says Suzanne Steinbaum, DO, a cardiologist, director of women’s heart health at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. “Insulin comes along to decrease sugar, but with type 2 diabetes, the body isn’t so sensitive to insulin, so blood sugar levels go up. Through a complex biochemical reaction, tea — especially green tea — helps sensitize cells so they are better able to metabolize sugar. Green tea is good for people with diabetes because it helps the metabolic system function better. ”

A 2013 research review published in the Diabetes and Metabolism Journal outlined the potential benefits of tea when it comes to diabetes as well as obesity, which is a risk factor for diabetes. It highlighted a Japanese study that found that people who drank 6 or more cups of green tea a day were 33 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than were people who drank less than a cup of green tea a week. It also reported on Taiwanese research that found that people who drank green tea regularly for more than a decade had smaller waists and a lower body fat composition than those who weren’t regular consumers of green tea.

Drinking tea for diabetes is such a good idea because tea contains substances called polyphenols, which are antioxidants found in every plant. “Polyphenols help reduce oxidative stress and cause vasodilation (widening of the arteries), which decreases blood pressure, prevents clotting, and reduces cholesterol,” Dr. Steinbaum says. All of these activities reduce the risk for heart disease, which is elevated in people with diabetes. Polyphenols in green tea can also help regulate glucose in the body, helping to prevent or control diabetes.

Drinking Tea for Diabetes: Green Tea or Black Tea?

When it comes to drinking tea for diabetes, Steinbaum says benefits are tied to all teas, but that green tea is the clear winner. “For one, when you drink green tea for diabetes, you will get a higher level of polyphenols than you would get in black,” she explains. It’s the polyphenols in fruits and vegetables that give them their bright colors. So, having more color means that green tea is richer in polyphenols. “Of the black teas, the more orange the color, the higher the polyphenols,” she adds.

Besides its color, green tea also contains higher polyphenol levels because it’s prepared from unfermented leaves, “so it is really pure,” Steinbaum says. Black tea, on the other hand, is made from leaves that are fully fermented, which robs it of some nutrients. “Plus, some black tea varieties can have two to three times more caffeine than green, which isn’t good in excess,” she says.

Polyphenols: Beyond Drinking Tea for Diabetes

The benefits of tea are clear. But besides tea, a number of foods high in polyphenols also can help prevent and manage type 2 diabetes. “The fruits highest in polyphenols are berries, grapes, apples, and pomegranates — because of their rich color,” Steinbaum says. Broccoli, onions, garlic, tomatoes, eggplant, and spinach are also good sources, as are cranberries, blood oranges, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, rhubarb, lemons, limes, and kiwis. “We know red wine contains resveratrol, which is a polyphenol — the highest concentration is in Bordeaux,” Steinbaum says.

RELATED: Best and Worst Drinks for Type 2 Diabetes

Cocoa is also a good source — a reason to eat a piece of dark chocolate now and then. “And for those following a vegetarian diet, there are also a number of foods high in polyphenols that also provide protein, such as red beans, black beans, pinto beans, pistachios, walnuts, chickpeas, and all the nut butters,” she says.

Overall, in addition to drinking tea for diabetes, eating a diet that’s good for your blood sugar isn’t complicated. “Type 2 diabetes tends to be driven by dietary lifestyle choices,” Steinbaum says. “When we talk about prevention, having a diet filled with polyphenols will help the body better metabolize sugar.” Hands down, eating foods rich in polyphenols — such as garlic and brightly colored fruits and vegetables — and drinking tea for diabetes, especially green tea, are great ideas for anyone trying to manage or prevent diabetes.

“When you say, ‘What is the best diet for diabetes?,’ people are hoping for this amazing plan,” Steinbaum says. “But it really comes down to eating colorful fruits and veggies, nuts, drinking green tea, eating fish with omega-3 fatty acids, and getting a little cocoa and red wine — and you’re done.”

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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.

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.

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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 insulin sensitivity.