The overlooked drink that can help you stay hydrated with diabetes, say dietitians
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Sometimes the simplest health fix is sitting right in front of you. It's not a new drug or a trending superfood.
It's a drink you might already have in your fridge—or at least walked past at the grocery store.
And for people managing diabetes, it could be a powerful secret weapon.
People with diabetes are at higher risk of dehydration, especially due to medications or increased urination.
What makes this tricky is that even mild dehydration can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
That’s why dietitians are now pointing to unsweetened coconut water as a smart hydration strategy. It offers natural sugars in moderation, with no added sweeteners.
An 8-ounce glass of unsweetened coconut water contains about 10 grams of natural sugar—far less than soda or sweet tea.
Its sugars come paired with beneficial nutrients, unlike the empty calories in most sugary drinks.
It’s also naturally low in calories, coming in at around 44 per serving. This balance makes it ideal for hydration without blood sugar spikes.
Coconut water isn’t just about hydration—it’s about effective hydration. It’s rich in electrolytes like potassium, which helps the body retain fluids and regulate blood pressure.
That’s crucial for people with diabetes, who are more vulnerable to heart issues. It offers hydration and cardiovascular support in one drink.
Also read: Is mushroom coffee the secret to better health? Here’s what you need to know
Not all coconut waters are created equal. Some brands sneak in added sugars or include multiple servings per bottle.
Always check the nutrition label before drinking. Staying informed can make all the difference in managing blood sugar levels.
Coconut water isn’t the only smart pick—unsweetened teas, sparkling water, and sugar-free infused waters also help.
For workouts longer than an hour, low-sugar sports drinks or sugar-free electrolyte mixes may be appropriate.
Also read: The simple pantry trick that makes your iced coffee taste like it came from a café
But for everyday hydration, water and coconut water are your best friends. Eating electrolyte-rich fruits and vegetables also supports hydration naturally.
Unsweetened coconut water is flying under the radar, but not for long. It’s naturally low in sugar, full of electrolytes, and perfect for people with diabetes trying to stay hydrated.
Just remember to scan labels carefully and watch serving sizes. Sometimes, the best solutions are the ones hiding in plain sight.
Read next: A lighter way to enjoy your morning drink? What to know about the new “cloud” trend
Could a better hydration habit help you manage your blood sugar more effectively? Try swapping your usual drink for unsweetened coconut water this week, and see how your body feels—then share your go-to diabetes-friendly drinks with us!
It's a drink you might already have in your fridge—or at least walked past at the grocery store.
And for people managing diabetes, it could be a powerful secret weapon.
People with diabetes are at higher risk of dehydration, especially due to medications or increased urination.
What makes this tricky is that even mild dehydration can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
That’s why dietitians are now pointing to unsweetened coconut water as a smart hydration strategy. It offers natural sugars in moderation, with no added sweeteners.
An 8-ounce glass of unsweetened coconut water contains about 10 grams of natural sugar—far less than soda or sweet tea.
The overlooked drink that can help you stay hydrated with diabetes, say dietitians. Image source: Ryutaro Uozumi / Unsplash
Its sugars come paired with beneficial nutrients, unlike the empty calories in most sugary drinks.
It’s also naturally low in calories, coming in at around 44 per serving. This balance makes it ideal for hydration without blood sugar spikes.
Coconut water isn’t just about hydration—it’s about effective hydration. It’s rich in electrolytes like potassium, which helps the body retain fluids and regulate blood pressure.
That’s crucial for people with diabetes, who are more vulnerable to heart issues. It offers hydration and cardiovascular support in one drink.
Also read: Is mushroom coffee the secret to better health? Here’s what you need to know
Not all coconut waters are created equal. Some brands sneak in added sugars or include multiple servings per bottle.
Always check the nutrition label before drinking. Staying informed can make all the difference in managing blood sugar levels.
Coconut water isn’t the only smart pick—unsweetened teas, sparkling water, and sugar-free infused waters also help.
For workouts longer than an hour, low-sugar sports drinks or sugar-free electrolyte mixes may be appropriate.
Also read: The simple pantry trick that makes your iced coffee taste like it came from a café
But for everyday hydration, water and coconut water are your best friends. Eating electrolyte-rich fruits and vegetables also supports hydration naturally.
Unsweetened coconut water is flying under the radar, but not for long. It’s naturally low in sugar, full of electrolytes, and perfect for people with diabetes trying to stay hydrated.
Just remember to scan labels carefully and watch serving sizes. Sometimes, the best solutions are the ones hiding in plain sight.
Read next: A lighter way to enjoy your morning drink? What to know about the new “cloud” trend
