Diabetes-Friendly Drinks to Start the Day With

Unhealthy diets are the norm for many Singaporeans. After all, who can resist all the delicious food around us? But our love for eating is often why diseases like diabetes are becoming more prevalent here than ever. 

But not all hope is lost even when you’re diagnosed as diabetic. You can still manage your condition by making wiser decisions regarding your diet. 

Let’s take your drinks, for instance. You can take certain beverages in the morning that regulate your blood sugar levels for the rest of the day.

Here's a look at some of the best beverages you can have that can help you fight diabetes.

Video Overview:

Chia Seed Water

Chia seed water is rich in fibre, which helps you feel full for longer so you don’t crave foods rich in carbs. This makes it easier to lose weight, which is a major diabetes risk factor. 

The drink is simple to make: you can soak a tablespoon or two of the seeds in a cup of water and let them soak for a few minutes. The seeds will absorb water and expand until it turns into a gel. You can then drink the mixture. 

Do shop around Singapore for organic chia seeds if you want to make sure you’re getting toxin-free produce. 

Aloe Vera Juice 

Aloe vera's anti-inflammatory properties make it great for fighting off chronic inflammation that can increase your insulin resistance. 

You can make the juice by blending the clear gel with water until you get a smooth texture. If you prefer to buy aloe vera juice, make sure to get pure ones. Getting a juice with added sugars defeats the purpose of drinking to fight diabetes. 

Herbal Tea

Herbal teas like ginger or chamomile are excellent morning drinks for diabetics. They’re sugar-free and often have antioxidants that can help fight the complications caused by diabetes. Do avoid commercial teas as they may have added sugars and caffeine. 

Unsweetened Milk

Milk can provide essential nutrients like calcium, potassium, and healthy fats without causing blood sugar spikes. You should take care to buy unsweetened varieties so you don’t consume too many carbohydrates. 

Plain Water

Regular water is still the best drink for our health. It never fails to keep us hydrated, help us stay full so we don’t crave sugary foods, improve our blood sugar control, and boost our metabolism so we can manage our weight and reduce diabetes’ effect on us. 

You should aim for at least two litres a day to be adequately hydrated, but go ahead and drink more if you exercise or sweat a lot. 

Quick Tips When Drinking Diabetes-friendly Beverages

• If you want to make your drink sweeter, add natural sweeteners such as stevia and monk fruit extract. These don’t raise blood sugar levels and have no calories. 

• Whether you buy aloe vera juice or organic chia seeds in Singapore, it always pays to shop in reputable wellness stores here. They often have a diverse inventory of healthy drinks and food items that can help manage diabetes. 

• Don’t forget to read the labels for any hidden sugars and other ingredients you can’t have.

• Consider checking on your blood sugar levels so you have a better idea of how different diabetes-friendly drinks affect you.  

Related Infographic: Healthy Organic Sweeteners to Replace Refined Sugar

Start The Day Right With a Healthy Drink

Your choice of food and beverages is an important aspect of diabetes management. If you eat something loaded with sugar, you might find yourself suddenly struggling with hyperglycemia.

But there's no need to fret about your glucose levels if you eat or drink something that isn’t sugary and has the right nutrients.

So let’s make the right choice for ourselves by getting the drinks that are good for us. A humble glass may not seem like much, but it can go a long way to a healthier future.