Diabetes is a significant health concern necessitating lifelong adjustments to one’s lifestyle routines.
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to excessively high levels of sugar in a person’s blood.
For type 1 diabetes patients, this situation arises when the body’s immune system mistakenly targets and destroys the cells responsible for insulin production.
In contrast, in type 2 diabetes patients, this can happen when the body either fails to produce sufficient insulin or the body’s cells do not adequately respond to insulin.
While the exact cause of type 1 diabetes remains unclear, type 2 diabetes is often associated with factors like body weight, diet, and insufficient physical activity.
The food and beverages you consume can not only increase your risk of developing diabetes but also potentially reduce it.
A specialist shared her thoughts exclusively with Express.co.uk on the most effective beverage to prevent diabetes or decrease your blood sugar levels if you are already diabetic.
Dr. Deborah Lee, who is associated with Dr. Fox Online Pharmacy, emphasized the importance of drinking ample amounts of water.
“You don’t have to be imaginative to come up with the best drink for those with type-2 diabetes,” she suggested. “You can’t beat good, old-fashioned, water.
Water has no carbohydrates and thus, is glucose-free.
When blood glucose levels are high, the kidneys have to work harder to eliminate the glucose through urine, which means if your blood sugar levels are high, you tend to urinate more.
“Excess thirst is a sign of hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose).
“Those with high blood glucose levels are more likely to become dehydrated, which further increases the concentration of glucose in the bloodstream.
“Drinking more water is the best way to assist the kidneys in lowering blood glucose and preventing dehydration.”
What does science reveal?
According to a 2011 study, people who drank more than a liter of water daily had a 28% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who consumed 500ml or less.
The research tracked 3,615 middle-aged men and women with healthy blood sugar levels for an average of nine years.
During that period, 565 participants developed high blood sugar levels, and researchers compared this data with their water intake.
The researchers concluded that “Self-reported water intake was inversely and independently associated with the risk of developing hyperglycaemia.”
How can one benefit from water?
Dr. Lee cautioned against consuming sweetened water.
Regular water is the most suitable option, though unsweetened carbonated water is also acceptable, according to her.
“It’s generally best to avoid drinks that contain artificial sweeteners.
“You can make water more exciting to drink by adding ice, and cutting up pieces of fruit.
“Water for tea and coffee does count as part of your daily water intake but again beware, and don’t add sugar or artificial sweeteners.”
She noted that women should aim for 1.6 litres of water a day (around eight glasses), while men should aim for two litres (approximately 10 glasses).
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