8 Worst Drinks For Diabetics (Slideshow)
Fruit Juice
Fruit juices are packed with sugar and carbohydrates. One 8-ounce glass of fruit juice can contain as much as 30 grams of carbohydrates, 20 grams of sugar, and 100 calories. For healthier options, choose fruit juices that are 100 percent juice with no added sugar.
Flavored Coffee
Coffee is a tricky one, as it has been shown to affect each person with diabetes differently. For some, it has little to no effect on blood sugar levels, but for others, even drinking coffee black can raise sugar levels. And adding cream and sugar only makes matters worse, as they not only raise blood sugar but can also cause you to gain weight.
Chocolate Drinks
If not consumed in moderation, chocolate drinks like packaged hot chocolate can raise blood pressure and pack on pounds, as they are loaded with sugar.
Whole Milk
The high saturated fat content in whole milk can raise bad (LDL) cholesterol, increase inflammation, and worsen insulin resistance in the body. One-percent and skim milk contain significantly less saturated fat, so they're better choices for diabetics.
Sweetened Tea
Soda
Soda is among the worst choices for diabetics, with one serving the equivalent of consuming 10 teaspoons of sugar. This amount of sugar can cause serious weight gain, increase inflammation and insulin resistance, and raise the risk of heart disease
Alcohol
In addition to the empty calories it adds to your diet, alcohol spikes blood sugar levels and can interfere with diabetes medications.
Energy Drinks
Combining caffeine, sugar, and a ton of calories, energy drinks are a triple threat for people with diabetes. Consuming these ingredients all at one time — particularly caffeine and taurine (which increases alertness) — can drastically increase both blood pressure and heart rate.