Summer can be a challenging time for a lot of people due to the excessive heat and the complications that it brings along. People with diabetes it can be a lot more difficult. It can lead to heat exhaustion and also cause fluctuations in your sugar levels. Additionally, it can also cause some severe skin problems.
Summer time calls for some refreshing and energising drinks. You need to consume an adequate amount of fluids to make sure that you stay hydrated. Apart from fulfilling your daily requirement for water, you can also have some refreshing beverages that are diabetes-friendly and also delicious. We have curated a list of diabetes-friendly drinks for the summer season.
Your daily beverages do not have to be sugary or carbonated. You can opt for these healthy options instead-
Lemonade Without Sugar
One of the most refreshing beverages for the summer season is lemonade. As your regular lemonade can contain a lot of sugar, you should prepare a diabetes-friendly version of it without using any sugar. It is also loaded with Vitamin C. It can support your digestion and also help in regulating your body temperature.
Infused Water
Infused water can make the process of hydration enjoyable and encourage you to drink more water throughout the day. You can make use of diabetes-friendly fruits and herbs to add that extra flavour to your regular water. You can add a dash of cucumber and mint to make a refreshing drink. It can even provide a small amount of dietary fibre along with other beneficial compounds.
Herbal Teas
Herbal teas have a lot of potential health benefits and low impact on your blood sugar levels. Chamomile tea can help promote relaxation and give you a better quality sleep. On the other hand, green tea contains a lot of antioxidants and can support your heart health. However, you should drink herbal teas in moderation and keep the dietary requirements in mind, as suggested by your nutritionist or healthcare provider.
Coconut Water
Coconut water has a relatively low glycemic index. It can also help avoid sudden spikes in your blood sugar levels. It is also important that you keep the portion size in mind while consuming coconut water. Having an excessive amount of coconut water is not advised for people with diabetes.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk contains a good amount of protein and can help in slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates into your bloodstream. It also contains a good amount of probiotics which can help in digestion. You should keep in mind the carbohydrate content of the buttermilk in case you add any flavouring or sweeteners.
If you have any doubts about what you can or cannot include in your diabetes diet, you should always talk to your healthcare provider. To manage your blood glucose levels on an everyday basis, you should eat a fibre rich and low-carb diet, exercise on a regular basis and keep a regular tab on your sugar levels. Diabetes management can become seamless if you follow all the recommendations given by your doctor or health coach and keep your stress levels under control.