

Water is always the best way to stay hydrated and can be enjoyed with added flavorings such as a few slices of lemon, lime, or cucumber.Īdditionally, unsweetened tea, herbal tea, and sparkling water can be enjoyed to foster hydration without the sugar content. Additionally, vegetable and green juices can provide a variety of health benefits and can be enjoyed in moderation by diabetics.Īll-fruit smoothies can also be an option, but they should be prepared with low or no added sugar and contain mostly low-GI fruits such as apples, pears, and/or berries. Some of the best juices for diabetics are grapefruit, apple, cranberry, pomegranate, orange, lemon, and bamboo. When selecting a fruit juice for consumption, it is important to note the label and look for juices that are fortified with vitamins and/or minerals, have no added sugar, and have a low glycemic index (GI). Can red grapefruit raise blood sugar?ĭiabetics can drink a variety of fruit juices, but it is important to keep in mind that these should be consumed in moderation due to their sugar content. Therefore, it is important for individuals to consult their doctor or pharmacist before eating or drinking grapefruit or grapefruit juice to make sure their medications can be safely used with grapefruit. Furthermore, drinking large amounts of grapefruit juice may increase the risk of kidney stones. In particular, some statins, which are used to lower cholesterol, some appetite suppressants, some pain medications and some drugs used to treat infections can interact negatively with grapefruit and its juice.Īdditionally, grapefruit juice can interact with certain calcium channel blockers, some antihistamines, some immunosuppressants, and some drugs used to treat high blood pressure. Due to its natural composition, grapefruit can interfere with the breakdown of certain drugs in the body, leading to high levels of certain drugs in the body and increasing the risk of adverse side effects. Grapefruits should be avoided, or at least consumed in moderation, by those taking certain medications.

Additionally, although grapefruit juice is a great source of essential nutrients, it is best to select unsweetened, 100% grapefruit juice over sweetened, flavored or artificially sweetened varieties as those contain added sugars which can dramatically increase the amount of carbohydrates you consume. Therefore, it is important to speak with your health care provider as they can best advise you on how much you may safely consume based on your individual needs. However, it is important to note that all beverages, including grapefruit juice, contain carbohydrates that can affect your blood sugar levels. Yes, you can drink grapefruit juice if you have diabetes. Can you drink grapefruit juice if you have diabetes? Furthermore, drinking grapefruit juice with meals can help to improve the absorption of some minerals, such as calcium and iron. This can help to moderate the effect of the natural sugar on blood glucose levels. It is also a good idea to pair grapefruit or grapefruit juice with a balanced meal or snack that also includes some protein and healthy fat. Therefore, it is best for individuals with diabetes to limit their intake of grapefruit to one cup per day or less. High consumption of grapefruit juice has also been linked to an increased risk of pancreatitis in some people with diabetes.

Due to potential interactions between the fruit and certain diabetes medications, the combination could cause fluctuations in blood glucose levels. However, it is very high in natural sugars, and therefore people with diabetes must be careful not to consume too much.įor those with diabetes, it is a good idea to check with a doctor first before including grapefruit in a daily diet. Grapefruit does contain beneficial vitamins and minerals, as well as some fiber. It is generally safe for people with diabetes to eat grapefruit and drink grapefruit juice in moderation.
