{
  "id": 12160428,
  "title": "Four drinks that help manage blood sugar",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/four-drinks-that-help-manage-blood-sugar",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-05T13:13:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/four-drinks-that-help-manage-blood-sugar/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Managing blood sugar levels involves mindful choices about what you consume. While no single drink can independently control blood sugar, different beverages elicit various responses. For instance, regular soda is laden with sugar, potentially causing rapid spikes followed by drops in blood sugar. In contrast, milk tends to result in slower and steadier increases in blood sugar levels. Water, on the other hand, has no impact on blood sugar. Given the importance of blood sugar management, even for those without diabetes, here are four drinks that may aid in blood sugar regulation:\n\n1. Water: A hydrating beverage without the addition of calories or sugar, water is an excellent alternative to sugary drinks. Some individuals find sparkling water preferable to still water. If you desire flavor with minimal sugar, consider cucumber and mint, ginger and lemon, or watermelon and basil infusions. Staying adequately hydrated, especially if you have prediabetes or diabetes, is crucial as dehydration can elevate blood sugar levels.\n\n2. Green Tea: Known for its numerous health benefits, green tea may also have beneficial effects on blood sugar. A 2019 meta-analysis of 27 studies revealed that both short- and long-term green tea consumption could lower fasting blood sugar levels, although it did not affect post-meal levels. Another 2020 meta-analysis of 10 studies yielded similar findings. The polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in green tea may contribute to its effects on fasting blood sugar.\n\n3. Cow's Milk: Studies suggest that the proteins in cow's milk may help mitigate post-meal blood sugar responses in both individuals with and without diabetes. The fats and proteins in milk slow gastric emptying, leading to a more gradual rise in blood sugar after a meal. Beyond blood sugar management, cow's milk offers essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, and potassium, making it a wholesome option when thirst strikes. Fermented milk, like kefir, may also be beneficial: a 2021 analysis of six studies indicated kefir could reduce fasting blood sugar levels.\n\n4. Coffee: The impact of coffee on blood sugar is complex. A 2019 meta-analysis of six studies indicated that coffee extract supplements were associated with lower fasting blood sugar, while a 2020 meta-analysis of 10 studies reported comparable outcomes. Compounds in coffee, such as polyphenols, caffeine, and magnesium, may be responsible for these effects on blood sugar.",
  "summary": "When you are looking to manage blood sugar levels, what you drink is as important as what you eat. No single drink will lower your blood sugar by itself.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}