Expert shares 6 drinks that are best for keeping blood sugar levels in check

Let’s be honest: when it comes to managing blood sugar, many of us overlook the one thing that can make a world of difference - what we’re sipping on. Skip the sugary sodas and fruit juices, because according to dietitian Sarah Steele, registered metabolic specialist, your drink choices can help actually tame those glucose spikes.

Your drink choice can impact your energy levels through glucose spikes (HUIZENG HU/Getty)

Steele says that 'certain beverage strategies can meaningfully support a healthy lifestyle, reduce the risk of insulin resistance and even blunt post-meal glucose spikes.'

So without further ado, here are six surprisingly savvy drinks to keep your blood sugar on the level:

1. Water

It doesn’t just hydrate - you’ll drink zero sugar, which means no unexpected glucose spikes. Bonus: it helps flush excess glucose from your system, keeping everything running smoothly.

2. Water with cinnamon

Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon (Ceylon if you can find it) or a cinnamon stick to your water and let it steep. This warm infusion might imitate insulin activity, swinging sugar from your bloodstream into cells.

Cinnamon and water helps imitate insulin activity (jayk7/Getty)

3. Green tea

Loaded with polyphenols, green tea helps enhance insulin activity and may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes - all while giving you a gentle energy boost, sans the sugar spike.

4. Black coffee

A metabolism nudge and potential insulin sensitivity ally is coffee - just don’t load it with sugar or fatty, sugary creamers.

5. Veggie juices

Think fresh cucumber, celery or spinach - a garden-fresh way to get nutrients with fibre but without the sugar bomb that comes with fruit juices. Add a dash of lemon or a hint of ginger for extra oomph.

Fresh vegetable juices are a good alternative to fruit juice (Zana Munteanu/500px/Getty)

6. Diluted apple cider vinegar (ACV)

Sip a tablespoon in water (or jazz it up with lemon, mint or ginger) before meals. It may slow sugar absorption and help your insulin response. Another pro tip: always dilute it to protect your teeth and stomach lining.

Ultimately, avoiding sugary drinks and pairing these healthier options with a balanced diet and regular movement can give your blood sugar the break it deserves.

So next time you're thirsty - ditch the sweetened drinks and opt for something clever. Your body (and your energy levels) will thank you.

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