You Might Be Interested In:
ADA Guidelines on Alcohol & Blood Sugar
The American Diabetes Association does have guidelines regarding alcohol and blood sugar and how alcohol affects blood sugar. Some of their recommendations include:
- The advice when it comes to alcohol and blood sugar is no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
- If you have diabetes, you shouldnt drink when your blood sugar levels are low or you have an empty stomach.
- People with diabetes shouldnt count the calories in an alcoholic drink as a carbohydrate choice in their meal plan.
- Certain types of alcoholic beverages may be more detrimental for people with diabetes, including heavy craft beers.
The amount of carbs and sugar varies in every alcohol, so its important to pay attention to labels and serving sizes when considering safe alcohol and blood sugar practices.
Check Your Blood Sugar
If you take medication that may cause low blood sugar , its highly advisable to check your blood sugar levels before you try to bring your sugar levels down.
This is just in case your blood sugar is normal or low, which can be the case in some situations.
Testing of blood sugar before bringing your levels down is particularly important if you take insulin.
Learn To Manage Your Stress
We all have stress. However, some people can manage it better than others. Personally, Im a Type-A, and Ive had to work hard and learn ways to manage stress.
Chronic stress takes a toll on your immune system. It makes you more likely to contract a cold or flu, or even develop a chronic autoimmune disease. Stress also raises your cortisol levels, which in turn raises your blood sugar. Its a major cause of high fasting blood sugars.
To manage stress, try any or all of these things:
- Yoga or tai chi
- Meditation
- Keep a gratitude journal
- Use adaptogenic herbs like Tulsi or one of my favorites Ashwagandha
Adaptogens are class of herbs that help your body adapt to various types of stressors. They have long been used in Ayurvedic medicine. Tulsi is one of my favorites and it happens to be another ingredient in Herbaly Wellness Collection tea. Tulsi been shown to enhance your immune system, reduce cortisol levels, and improve blood sugar.
Recommended Reading: Can You Get Diabetes If You Re Skinny
The Drink That Lowers Blood Sugar Levels And Helps People With Diabetes
The drink is meant to help people who have type 2 diabetes
A drink has been found to help people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Pomegranate juice is said to help lower blood sugar levels within 15 minutes of drinking it.
A study examined the effects one drink of the juice could have on a diabetic and found it changed the levels of their blood sugar – in a good way.
The Express, reported the studies’ findings after it was published in Current Developments in Nutrition journal.
The study found, from 21 random volunteers asked to drink water, pomegranate juice or water with glucose, water did not change their blood sugar levels.
As a result of this, it was discovered higher insulin levels were visible between 15 and 30 minutes after consuming the juice, compared to water.
Other research carried out elsewhere also confirmed the up-side to drinking pomegranate juice after an Israeli study found the sugars in it, don’t negatively impact blood sugar levels.
Read more: Girl, two, who doctors said was just constipated had rare tumour the size of a football
Many people have type 2 diabetes without realising but, if you have any of the following symptoms according to the NHS, you should see your GP.
A spokesperson for the NHS said: “You’ll need a blood test, which you may have to go to your local health centre for if it cannot be done at your GP surgery.”
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
Drink Herbaly Wellness Collection Tea Each Day
I recently discovered Herbaly Teas Wellness Collectionand its like a secret wellness weapon especially if you want to improve your blood sugar and support your immune system. I cold-brew a pitcher, keep it in my refrigerator, and sip it throughout the day.
Its a tasty and refreshing organic herbal blend thats formulated to support healthier blood sugar. The herbs and ingredients in Herbaly Wellness Collection tea may also strengthen your immune system and reduce inflammation. They include:
- Ginger which is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to naturally enhance the immune system. Theres research that shows some compounds in ginger have antibacterial properties.
- Fennel seeds which contain vitamin C and antioxidants. They also have antimicrobial properties.
- Dandelion root which can help fight inflammation. Some research on compounds in dandelion root suggests it can lower blood sugar levels.
- Sencha a type of green tea which contains powerful antioxidant compounds called catechins. Theyve been shown to reduce inflammation, maintain insulin sensitivity and support healthy blood glucose levels.
- Turmeric root, a source of curcumin. Its the compound with a wide range of superpowers including anti-inflammatory and immune system supporting benefits. Research suggests it may both reduce inflammatory damage caused by high blood sugar and also help to lower glucose levels.
Read Also: Can You Get Diabetes If You Re Skinny
Can I Drink Alcohol If I Have Type 2 Diabetes
Moderate alcohol consumption is believed to have health benefits for some people, such as raising good cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, but does that evidence hold up for patients with type 2 diabetes?
Research shows moderate drinking and diabetes often can safely mix. In fact, some studies show moderate drinking can have positive health effects on people with type 2 diabetes. Red wine is especially beneficial.
The important word here is “moderate”: Excessive alcohol drinking can increase the risk of conditions such as heart disease and metabolic syndrome. What’s more, drinking too much can be a cause of type 2 diabetes by leading to weight gain and insulin resistance.
Eat More Low Glycemic Foods
Food with a low glycemic index wont spike your blood sugar. Even though they contain carbs, theyre high in fiber, so they take longer to digest. Some of my favorite low glycemic foods also happen to be packed with vitamins and antioxidants that can support a healthy immune system. These include:
- All berries
- Leafy green vegetables
- Orange vegetables and fruits
- Nuts and seeds
- Legumes
Lean proteins like chicken and fish actually score a big fat zero on the glycemic index scale. That means they have no carbohydrates, so they wont raise your blood sugar. They also provide amino acids that your body needs to build the proteins in your immune system. Poultry, fish, and eggs are all great choices.
Also Check: Dizziness And Diabetes Type 2
Diabetes: Here Are 4 Drinks That You Can Include In Your Diet To Manage Blood Sugar Levels Better:
1. Karela Juice
Karela juice is said to be great for diabetics. It helps regulate the blood sugar levels in your body. According to Nutritionist Dr. Anju Sood, Karela juice tends to make your insulin active the sugar would be used adequately and not get converted into fat, which could also help in losing weight. Moreover, karela juice contains active substance known as charantin that is known as blood-glucose lowering agent. A glassful of karela juice in the morning could help regulate and manage blood sugar levels effectively.
2. Methi Water
One of the most effective natural remedies is methi dana. A study found that a daily dose of 10 grams of fenugreek seeds soaked in hot water may help control type-2 diabetes. Methi dana water has the ability to lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. It contains fibre and helps in slowing down digestion process, further regulating the absorption of carbohydrates and sugar. The fenugreek water also helps in improving the way your body uses sugar.
Diabetes: It helps regulate the blood sugar levels in your body
3. Barley Water
Barley or jau water is high in insoluble fibre, which makes it good for diabetics. It is recommended for diabetics as it helps stabilise blood glucose levels. Make sure you drink unsweetened barley water to get effective results. The antioxidant properties of barley water also helps keep many diseases at bay.
4. Green Tea
Green Tea May Help You Lose Weight
In a midday slump? Consider steeping a cup of green tea, which contains 28 milligrams of caffeine, according to the Mayo Clinic, and may help fend off diabetes.
A review of studies suggested that green tea and green tea extract may help lower blood glucose levels and may play a role in helping prevent type 2 diabetes and obesity.
A study mentioned in the review found that people who drank green tea habitually for more than 10 years had lower body fat and a smaller waist circumference than those who did not. And obesity can raise a persons risk of developing type 2 diabetes by at least sixfold, according to a study published in April 2020 in the journal Diabetologia.
One of the reasons green tea may play a role preventing diabetes? It contains a potent compound called epigallocatechin gallate . EGCG has been found to increase the uptake of glucose into muscle cells, says Palinski-Wade. According to a review published in February 2019 in the International Journal of Molecular Science, this process of EGCG stimulating glucose to enter muscle cells may also be useful to treat obesity.
Per the U.S. Department of Agriculture , one cup of green tea has 0 carbohydrates, 0 grams of sugar or fat, and a mere 2.4 calories, making it an all-around healthy choice.
Recommended Reading: Signs Of Sugar Being High
Caution: Birth Control Pills
Estrogen in birth control pills can affect the way a person with diabetes may respond to insulin. The American Diabetes Association advises women with diabetes to use a birth control pill containing norgestimate and a synthetic estrogen. The ADA also says birth control injections and implants are safe for women with diabetes, but suggests they still have some effect on blood sugars. If women elect to use these birth control methods, they should monitor their blood sugar levels, especially for several weeks when these agents are first administered. Women with diabetes should discuss their birth control options with their doctor.
Drink A Lot Of Water And Keep Hydrated
Drinking the required amount of water can help to keep your blood sugar within healthy limits. In addition to keeping your body hydrated always, it helps the kindly easily get rid of excess sugars through urine. Trusted studies have shown that drinking a lot of water lowers the risk of developing hyperglycemia.
Constant drinking of water helps to rehydrate your blood, lower your blood sugars, and reduce the risks of diabetes. Remember, fresh water and other non-caloric beverages are paramount. This is because sugar-sweetened drinks raise blood sugars, leading to weight gains and increase the risks of diabetes.
Also Check: Highest Dosage Of Metformin
Diabetes: Apple Cider Vinegar To Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Multiple studies stress on the benefits of apple cider vinegar for diabetes. It is especially good for type-2 diabetes. A study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine in 2018 also highlighted the benefits of apple cider vinegar for diabetics.
Also read: Diabetes Diet: Can Diabetics Eat Fruits? Know Tips To Choose The Right Fruits
Dietician and Nutritionist Jasleen Kaur explains, “Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body is not able to produce insulin and manage blood sugar levels appropriately. Apple cider vinegar not only helps to reduce weight and beer belly it also helps to reduce the blood sugar levels.”
Type 1 Vs Type 2 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes A person with type 1 diabetes does not produce insulin. Unfortunately, type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented or cured. A person living with type 1 diabetes is required to have insulin injected into the body regularly.
Type 2 Diabetes People with type 2 diabetes can easily manage their condition through exercise and proper diet. Unlike individuals with type 1 diabetes, people with type 2 diabetes are still able to produce insulin. Their bodies simply dont make enough of it or have difficulty using it.
Either way, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and consuming highly nutritious food that doesnt spike blood sugar levels is key to prevention and management of diabetes.
You May Like: Non Diabetic Taking Insulin
What Is High Blood Sugar
Blood glucose, or blood sugar, is usually regulated very well by an organ called the pancreas. When blood sugar levels rise due to eating, stress, and other normal body functions, the pancreas releases enough insulin to bring blood sugar levels back to a healthy range.
When blood sugar imbalances exist, the pancreas either doesnt produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugars, or the cells dont respond to insulin-like they should. This results in high blood sugar and diabetes.
Blood sugar is measured in mg/dL. Fasting blood sugar is considered borderline high when its between 100-125 mg/dL, and anything above 126 mg/dL is high. People with borderline high fasting blood sugar may be considered to have prediabetes.
Postprandial blood sugar is considered high when its above 140 mg/dL within two hours of starting a meal.
The hemoglobin A1c is considered borderline high when its 5.7%-6.4%, and anything above 6.5% is indicative of diabetes. The A1c is a more accurate way of diagnosing prediabetes because its over a longer period of time than just one fasting blood sugar test.
Does Quitting Alcohol Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Quitting alcohol will help your blood sugar levels stabilize and reduce spikes in your blood sugar. The body often eliminates these spikes in blood sugar by turning the sugar into fat, creating obesity, sometimes known as a beer belly. By stopping alcohol use, you will reduce your risk of obesity which, in turn, will improve your blood sugar levels.
Recommended Reading: What Is A Normal A1c For A Non Diabetic
Low Blood Sugar Levels In Diabetes
People with diabetes can have low blood sugar levels because of the medicines they have to take to manage their diabetes. They may need a hormone called or diabetes pills to help their bodies use the sugar in their blood.
These medicines help take the sugar out of the blood and get it into the bodys cells, which makes the blood sugar level go down. But sometimes its a tricky balancing act and blood sugar levels can get too low.
People with diabetes need to keep their blood sugars from getting too highor too low. Keeping blood sugar levels in a healthy range means balancing when and what they eat, and when they exercise with when they take medicines.
Green Tea And Diabetes
Green tea has long been used to regulate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It may also play a role in preventing type 1 diabetes or slowing its progression once you have it. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that clinical studies have shown that green tea supplements in powder form can reduce hemoglobin A1c levels in people with prediabetes. Hemoglobin A1c levels indicate how well your blood sugar is under control.
Read Also: Can Type 2 Diabetics Eat Bananas
Type 2 Diabetes: The 5 Best Ways To Help Lower Blood Sugar Levels At Breakfast
- Vanessa Chalmers, Digital Health Reporter
- 4:43 ET, Oct 20 2021
TYPE 2 diabetes can sometimes feel like an overwhelming condition to manage.
Often keeping on top of the condition comes down to small diet tweaks here and there including at breakfast.
Some say breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Thats certainly true for the millions of people with type 2 diabetes in the UK and globally.
Research shows eating a balanced meal in the morning may help to promote more stable blood glucose levels the rest of the day.
And anyone with the common condition will know that keeping blood sugar in the desired range is key to avoid any short or long term problems.
Here we explain some of the best options for the first meal of the day for someone with type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes Diet: Why Drinking 8p Tea Every Day Can Lower Your Blood Sugar Levels
Diabetes UK warns more people than ever are at risk of type 2 diabetes. 4.9 million Britons have a diabetes diagnosis, and 13.6 million more are at increased risk of developing diabetes. Changing your diet and lifestyle can reduce your risk of diabetes, including drinking this tasty and inexpensive tea.
Diabetes is the name given to a set of conditions where your body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels.
Type 2 diabetes is linked to a number of risk factors, including weight and lifestyle, unlike type 1.
For this reason, anyone determined to be at risk of type 2 diabetes will be advised to try to maintain a healthy weight and not eat too much sugar and carbohydrates.
While some foods can dramatically raise your blood sugar, others are credited with helping to regulate it, by preventing blood sugar spikes.
If youre worried about your risk of diabetes creeping up, its time to introduce this herbal tea to your diet.
READ MORE: Dementia: The food to eat to reduce your risk
Recommended Reading: What Happens In Type 1 Diabetes
Foods To Lower Blood Sugar
While a specific food cant lower high blood sugar, eating certain foods can help promote healthy blood sugar levels. Over time, eating healthy foods beneficial for blood sugar can help lower average blood sugar and improve glycemic control.
Carbohydrates have the biggest impact on blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Common carbohydrates sources include fruit, vegetables, grains, legumes, and dairy products like milk and yogurt. Carbohydrates are broken down into sugar , which enters the bloodstream. When someone with diabetes eats many carbohydrates at once, their blood sugar levels may be higher than their target or goal.
Fiber is a carbohydrate but does not affect blood sugar levels because it is not absorbed by the body. Fiber can also slow gastric emptying, meaning the food takes longer to be broken down into sugar, which is one way it can help diabetes. Eating fiber-rich foods can help avoid a blood sugar spike, which can occur when eating rapidly-digested carbohydrates such as white bread and refined sugar.
People with diabetes need varying ranges of carbohydrates based on individual needs and activity levels. In general, aiming for 30-60 grams of carbohydrates per meal and 15-20 grams of carbohydrates per snack is ideal. Aiming for 25-40 grams of dietary fiber per day is ideal for both blood sugar and heart health.