Keeping diabetes under control, especially in the summer, can be a challenging task. As scorching temperatures can lead to dehydration, which can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate drastically. Staying cool and hydrated is very important, but choosing the right drink is equally important to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Carbonated beverages, sugary drinks, energy drinks and packaged juices are a big no. Instead, you can go for these refreshing summer drinks that we have curated, which can seamlessly fit into your diabetic meal plan and offer good hydration and nutritional perks.

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How to Choose the Best Drinks for Diabetes?

Following these criteria while choosing healthy drinks for diabetics in the summer is important:

Low Sugar: Drinks should contain no added sugars or very minimal amounts to avert blood sugar surges

Nutritional Content: Beverages should deliver ample reserves of vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients without added calories.

Hydration: Maintaining good hydration is key, especially in the summer heat. These beverages should quench thirst and replenish fluids.

Best Summer Drinks For Diabetes

 Infused Water

Plain water is the perfect drink for staying well hydrated and quenching thirst in this hot climate. However, infused water adds extra zest and flavour without added sugar or calories. Infusing water with ingredients like cucumber, mint, lemon, or berries can make it more refreshing and energising while also offering a slight boost of antioxidants.

How To Make?

In a jar, add a few slices of cucumber, lemon and a few mint leaves.

Let it diffuse for a few hours in the refrigerator.

You can also add orange slices with basil or strawberries with mint to maintain sugar levels.

Benefits

Infused water is best to keep you hydrated, promote the digestion process; however, avoid adding artificial sweeteners that may sometimes spike blood sugar levels.

Tender Coconut Water

Tender coconut water is a natural coolant packed with electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, making it a perfect drink for quenching thirst and replenishing lost fluids. Always choose fresh tender coconut water or if buying packaged ones, go for 100% unsweetened. Check the label to ensure there are no added sugars.

Limit tender coconut water to 1 small cup a day to avoid excess consumption of natural sugars.

Also Read: The Guilt-Free Fruit Guide for Diabetics

Iced Herbal Teas

A rich array of herbal teas like hibiscus, chamomile, green tea, and peppermint has umpteen health-benefiting properties, including better blood sugar control, enhanced heart health, and calming effects on the mind and body.

How To Make?

Brew herbal tea, flavour of your choice and chill it in the fridge.

Add a drizzle of lemon juice or a cinnamon stick for extra zest.

Avoid adding honey or regular sugar. If sweetness is needed, a small amount of stevia (a zero-calorie sweetener) can be used.

Buttermilk (Chaas)

Buttermilk or chaas is a probiotic-rich drink that supports digestion, cools the body, and is very low in carbohydrates and is one of the best refreshing drinks that can be liberally taken without worrying about blood sugar spikes.

Also Read: Fruit Juice: Is It Good Or Bad For Diabetics?

How To Make?

Whisk together low-fat curd with chilled water.

Add roasted cumin powder, salt, chopped ginger, and coriander leaves for extra flavour.

Packed with a wealth of probiotics, buttermilk improves gut health, which is closely linked to better blood sugar management.

Vegetable Juice (Low-Glycemic)

Juices made from non-starchy veggies like cucumber, spinach, celery, or bottle gourd (lauki) are hydrating, packed with nutrients and have very little impact on blood sugar levels.

How To Make?

Blend vegetables like spinach, cucumber, and celery with water.

Strain juice if required and add a pinch of Himalayan salt or lemon juice.

Avoid fruit juices (even 100% natural) because they contain a concentrated form of sugar from fruits. Stick to vegetables with a low glycaemic index.

Tips For Diabetic Patients

Refrain from having sugary drinks like packaged juices, sodas, sweetened teas, and flavoured waters.

Always check food labels for hidden sugars in packaged beverages.

Constantly check your blood sugar levels more often in summer, as dehydration can lead to high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia).

Carry a water bottle handy to sip throughout the day and stay hydrated.

Conclusion

Diabetic patients can stay hydrated, cool and manage blood sugar levels under control by making informed choices about food and drinks they have. Moreover, it is also important to seek advice from your physician or nutritionist before making any major changes to your diet pattern.

(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)

Author Profile:

M Sowmya Binu:

With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.

References:

Natural Functional Beverages as an Approach to Manage Diabetes

October 2023

DOI:10.20944/preprints202310.1101.v

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374819221_Natural_Functional_Beverages_as_an_Approach_to_Manage_Diabetes

Association between sugar-sweetened beverages and type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis

Meng Wang 1, Min Yu 1, Le Fang 1, Ru-Ying Hu 1,*

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4420570/