If you have diabetes, your healthcare team has probably recommended skipping certain beverages, such as as soda, juice, and sugary sports drinks, but there are plenty of sips you can enjoy that won’t spike your blood sugar.
“Tea is a great choice for individuals with diabetes,” says Lori Zanini, RD, CDCES, a diabetes educator and dietitian based in Dana Point, California. “It can be a carb-free way to provide hydration and antioxidants,” compounds that help fight free radicals and prevent oxidative stress, which are associated with health conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Whatever tea you choose, just remember these guidelines: “If you have diabetes, it’s important to keep the beverage sugar-free; stick to mainstream green, herbal, or black teas; and monitor when you should cut off caffeine intake to help support your best sleep,” says Julie Stefanski RDN, CDCES, a York, Pennsylvania–based spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
