• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Diabetes Everyday

Living your best life with diabetes. Toby Smithson provides professional guidance with personal experience.

  • Diabetes EveryDay
  • Work With Toby
    • Interviews and Articles
    • Meet Toby
      • Contact Toby
    • Toby’s Books
    • Speaking Out About Diabetes
  • Sharing Toby’s Knowledge
    • Understanding Diabetes
    • Eating Healthy
    • Being Physically Active
    • Medications and Monitoring Health
    • Reducing Stress
    • Staying Motivated
  • YouTube Channel
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ
You are here: Home / Understanding Diabetes / Diabetes and Dehydration – My New Favorite Drink

Diabetes and Dehydration – My New Favorite Drink

December 10, 2021 By Toby Smithson

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Hydration is so important with some special benefits (and risks) for people with diabetes. See why, and meet my new favorite hydrating drink product – Zevia.

Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel

Table of contents

  • Staying Hydrated Means…
  • What Can You Drink to Stay Hydrated?
  • Zevia – No Carb, No Calorie

Staying Hydrated Means…

Ok, I’m glad you are here today because we are going to cover a topic that I get a lot of questions about… hydration and beverage choices. People with diabetes often ask – What can I drink? and why do I need to stay hydrated? Well, stay tuned because I’m going to answer your questions.

Recommendations to stay hydrated are for everyone. But for people with diabetes, there are some added bonuses to staying hydrated: dehydration reduces your blood volume which increases blood sugar concentration…. the same amount of sugar in less volume equals higher blood sugar readings… So, proper hydration means lower blood sugar. And higher blood sugar levels, close to 180 or higher, trigger your kidneys to remove excess blood glucose which you pee away, possibly causing dehydration. It’s kind of circular- higher blood glucose could be due to dehydration, but also can cause dehydration. So, it’s a great idea to stay hydrated.

Be Sure To Check Out – How To Bring Blood Sugar Down Fast

What Can You Drink to Stay Hydrated?

Ok, now for the fun part… what can you drink to stay hydrated? Of course, water is perfect. You can drink water, water with lemon, water with lime, water with cucumber. Unsweet iced or hot tea, or unsweetened coffee is OK, but caffeine is a mild diuretic inspiring us to also lose some water. Alcohol, by the way, is dehydrating so you will want to avoid or limit them.

Be Sure To Check Out – Can Drinking Water Help My Blood Sugar?

Zevia – No Carb, No Calorie

Those are beverages you are probably familiar with, but I’m now going with a delicious beverage called Zevia that also can help you stay hydrated and has no artificial colors, zero sugar, zero calories, no sodium, no phosphoric acid (which makes this a good choice for people who have kidney disease), its plant-based and is naturally flavored and sweetened and tastes great. Zevia offers a variety of product lines and flavors from soda to energy to organic teas, mixers, and a kid’s line so there is something for everyone. Full disclosure, I love the creamy root beer flavor which is caffeine-free!

If you are like me, it’s nice to have a variety of beverage options. Water, tea, and coffee are great but not everyone likes water or drinks enough to stay hydrated. It’s nice to have a perfectly sweetened (no carb, no calorie) drink like Zevia. You can visit Zevia.com to learn more about their products and check out the store locator to find a retailer near you.

Let us know how you like it and what is your favorite flavor.

Until next time, cheers to your health.

Don’t forget to take a look at our most frequently asked questions.

You May Also Enjoy

  • NYC Department of Health Advertisement Stirs Up Controversy on Two Fronts- Message Lost?
  • Are Smoothies Good For My Diabetes?
  • Beat Diabetes With More Fruits and Vegetables

Filed Under: Understanding Diabetes

Toby Smithson Diabetes Everyday

Subscribe on YouTube

Toby Smithson dynamically combines her knowledge as a certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian nutritionist with her life experiences successfully managing type 1 diabetes for more than five decades.

Primary Sidebar

Search

Keys to Living Well – Toby’s Posts

Recent Posts

  • What You Need To Know About Sleep and Diabetes December 21, 2022
  • The Power of Plants December 21, 2022
  • Stinkin’ Thinkin’ vs Awesome Thinking About Diabetes December 21, 2022
  • What Are the Best Supplements for Diabetes? December 21, 2022
  • What’s New in Diabetes Management? September 21, 2022

Post Archives

Before Footer

tobysmithson

768

tobysmithson

View

Feb 3

Open
Are you wearing red? Today is the day we raise awareness about woman and heart disease by wearing red and offering ways to reduce the risk of heart disease. 

Cardiovascular disease is the number 1 killer of women AND people with diabetes are at a 2-4 times higher risk. Yikes!
Let’s do what we can to lower our risk:
❤️Choose foods low in saturated fat, trans fat and sodium.
❤️Add higher fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts seeds, and whole grains
❤️Choose fish, poultry without the skin and lower fat dairy while limiting meats. If you do choose meat, choose the leanest cuts.
❤️Place 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of aerobic activity on your schedule each week. 
 All of these suggestions are both heart healthy and diabetes friendly. 

#gored #goredforwomen #diabetes #hearthealth #type1diabetes #type2diabetes @american_heart #reducediabetescomplications

Are you wearing red? Today is the day we raise awareness about woman and heart disease by wearing red and offering ways to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Cardiovascular disease is the number 1 killer of women AND people with diabetes are at a 2-4 times higher risk. Yikes!
Let’s do what we can to lower our risk:
❤️Choose foods low in saturated fat, trans fat and sodium.
❤️Add higher fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts seeds, and whole grains
❤️Choose fish, poultry without the skin and lower fat dairy while limiting meats. If you do choose meat, choose the leanest cuts.
❤️Place 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of aerobic activity on your schedule each week.
All of these suggestions are both heart healthy and diabetes friendly.

#gored #goredforwomen #diabetes #hearthealth #type1diabetes #type2diabetes @american_heart #reducediabetescomplications
...

tobysmithson

View

Feb 1

Open
It’s national sweetpotato month! I’ll be sharing a lot of information throughout the month about this nutrition powerhouse food that can be included with your meals all year long. Please follow along.  Link to video is in my bio ( click on linktr.ee/TobySmithson) and look under YouTube. 

@ncsweetpotatoes #ncsweetpotatoes #makeitNCsweet #sweetpotatoisONEword #sponsored #diabetes #diabetesawareness #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #typeonediabetes #diabetesfriendly

It’s national sweetpotato month! I’ll be sharing a lot of information throughout the month about this nutrition powerhouse food that can be included with your meals all year long. Please follow along. Link to video is in my bio ( click on linktr.ee/TobySmithson) and look under YouTube.

@ncsweetpotatoes #ncsweetpotatoes #makeitNCsweet #sweetpotatoisONEword #sponsored #diabetes #diabetesawareness #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #typeonediabetes #diabetesfriendly
...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 31

Open
Which are the best eating plans for people with diabetes??? Read all about it ➡️ 
#bestdiets #diabetes #diabetesdiet #diabetesdietitian #diabetesdietplan @usnews #type1diabetes #type2diabetes 

https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/best-eating-plans-for-people-with-diabetes

Which are the best eating plans for people with diabetes??? Read all about it ➡️
#bestdiets #diabetes #diabetesdiet #diabetesdietitian #diabetesdietplan @usnews #type1diabetes #type2diabetes

https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/best-eating-plans-for-people-with-diabetes
...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 27

Open
6 month old Clark, just finished eating his dinner and clanking around his food bowl used as a toy. He found me and posed for this photo. What would the caption be?
#englishspringerspaniel #englishspringerspanielpuppy @springerrescueamerica #mealtime

6 month old Clark, just finished eating his dinner and clanking around his food bowl used as a toy. He found me and posed for this photo. What would the caption be?
#englishspringerspaniel #englishspringerspanielpuppy @springerrescueamerica #mealtime
...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 27

Open
Are you wondering which eating plan is best for diabetes? I feel honored to be on the expert panel for rating best diets for US News. Here’s the link to my deeper dive into what we are looking for with a best eating plan for people with diabetes. @usnews #diabetes #eatingplan #bestdiet #bestdietplan #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #type1 #type2 #dash #dashdiet #mediterraneandiet #flexitariandiet #flexitarian 

https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/best-eating-plans-for-people-with-diabetes

Are you wondering which eating plan is best for diabetes? I feel honored to be on the expert panel for rating best diets for US News. Here’s the link to my deeper dive into what we are looking for with a best eating plan for people with diabetes. @usnews #diabetes #eatingplan #bestdiet #bestdietplan #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #type1 #type2 #dash #dashdiet #mediterraneandiet #flexitariandiet #flexitarian

https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/best-eating-plans-for-people-with-diabetes
...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 26

Open
A different type of crime was committed on the last episode of Will Trent. Crime… misinformation about diabetes. 
It was revealed on this episode that one of the detectives had diabetes. She had been fainting and kept quiet why she felt that way. Then… as she was feeling faint again, she opened up to Will Trent ( well he also “detected” she must have diabetes). BUT… when you are at the point of feeling faint, you can’t just sit down and have an in depth convo and you certainly are not supposed to take an injection of insulin. Feeling faint is associated with hypoglycemia, low blood sugar. And what about that injection that Will Trent “wanted to help the detective out with”??? No thank you. Please don’t jab me or anyone else with insulin- it’s supposed to be given subcutaneously… no need to jab. 
Did anyone else see this episode? 
@willtrentabc #diabetesawareness #diabetesmisinformation #diabetes #diabetesfacts #diabeteseducator

A different type of crime was committed on the last episode of Will Trent. Crime… misinformation about diabetes.
It was revealed on this episode that one of the detectives had diabetes. She had been fainting and kept quiet why she felt that way. Then… as she was feeling faint again, she opened up to Will Trent ( well he also “detected” she must have diabetes). BUT… when you are at the point of feeling faint, you can’t just sit down and have an in depth convo and you certainly are not supposed to take an injection of insulin. Feeling faint is associated with hypoglycemia, low blood sugar. And what about that injection that Will Trent “wanted to help the detective out with”??? No thank you. Please don’t jab me or anyone else with insulin- it’s supposed to be given subcutaneously… no need to jab.
Did anyone else see this episode?
@willtrentabc #diabetesawareness #diabetesmisinformation #diabetes #diabetesfacts #diabeteseducator
...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 22

Open
Inspiration as you start the new week: Be proud of your accomplishments. 
Our 6 month old puppy has now learned not to take my shoes nor clothes out of my closet. Big win and feeling proud! 
@springerrescueamerica #englishspringerspanielpuppy #inspiration #growingup

Inspiration as you start the new week: Be proud of your accomplishments.
Our 6 month old puppy has now learned not to take my shoes nor clothes out of my closet. Big win and feeling proud!
@springerrescueamerica #englishspringerspanielpuppy #inspiration #growingup
...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 13

Open
Celebrating National Oatmeal Month with a serving of cooked oats this morning. But I forgot to add protein to my breakfast so my blood sugar spiked 😳 
Diabetes friendly reminder to add a source of protein when you eat your oats. 😄 
What’s your favorite protein to add when eating oats??

Happy #nationaloatmealmonth #oatmeal #bloodsugarbalance 
#diabetes
#typeonediabetes 
#type2diabetes 
#breakfastideas

Celebrating National Oatmeal Month with a serving of cooked oats this morning. But I forgot to add protein to my breakfast so my blood sugar spiked 😳
Diabetes friendly reminder to add a source of protein when you eat your oats. 😄
What’s your favorite protein to add when eating oats??

Happy #nationaloatmealmonth #oatmeal #bloodsugarbalance
#diabetes
#typeonediabetes
#type2diabetes
#breakfastideas
...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 11

Open
Attention people with diabetes ( or anyone else experiencing stressful moments)… here’s an idea on how to reduce your stress- participate in a Tea Meditation! Here’s how to do it: 
1. Brew your favorite tea
2. Hold the very warm cup for a couple minutes as you slow down your stressful thoughts.
3. Smell the wonderful aroma of your tea.
4. Sip your tea slowly and reverently even. 
Wow! It’s a great practice of self care. Drinking tea mindfully. 🙌 Has anyone done this before? 
TY @diabetessangha for introducing me to this type of meditation. 
#meditation 
#diabetes
#type1diabetes #type2
#stressrelief #stressmanagement #tea #freshbrewedtea #mindfulness

Attention people with diabetes ( or anyone else experiencing stressful moments)… here’s an idea on how to reduce your stress- participate in a Tea Meditation! Here’s how to do it:
1. Brew your favorite tea
2. Hold the very warm cup for a couple minutes as you slow down your stressful thoughts.
3. Smell the wonderful aroma of your tea.
4. Sip your tea slowly and reverently even.
Wow! It’s a great practice of self care. Drinking tea mindfully. 🙌 Has anyone done this before?
TY @diabetessangha for introducing me to this type of meditation.
#meditation
#diabetes
#type1diabetes #type2
#stressrelief #stressmanagement #tea #freshbrewedtea #mindfulness
...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 5

Open
What’s for dinner? I’m eating this meal two nights in a row because I love it so much! Plant based meal that is only 35 grams of carb. Can make this lower carb if you don’t use the breaded cutlet. Did you see the grams of protein and fiber? 🙌 
If you are looking for quick meal prep plant based ideas, this is it 👏
@meatifoods #plantbased #mealideas #diabetes #diabetesfriendly #diabetesfood #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #quickmeals

What’s for dinner? I’m eating this meal two nights in a row because I love it so much! Plant based meal that is only 35 grams of carb. Can make this lower carb if you don’t use the breaded cutlet. Did you see the grams of protein and fiber? 🙌
If you are looking for quick meal prep plant based ideas, this is it 👏
@meatifoods #plantbased #mealideas #diabetes #diabetesfriendly #diabetesfood #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #quickmeals
...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 4

Open
When managing diabetes or pre-diabetes, weight loss is recommended to help increase insulin sensitivity and improve beta cell function.  I’m sharing some tips in my latest YouTube video on how to cut 100 calories ( or more) without feeling like you are missing out.  Link to video in my bio. 
#diabetes #prediabetes #diabetes2 #diabetes1 #weightlosstips #diabetesmanagement #loseweight

When managing diabetes or pre-diabetes, weight loss is recommended to help increase insulin sensitivity and improve beta cell function. I’m sharing some tips in my latest YouTube video on how to cut 100 calories ( or more) without feeling like you are missing out. Link to video in my bio.
#diabetes #prediabetes #diabetes2 #diabetes1 #weightlosstips #diabetesmanagement #loseweight
...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 3

Open
Happy New Year 2023!

There's no one diet that’s best for everyone. That is why it is important to understand the nuances of each diet. As a panelist for U.S. News & World Report’s #BestDiets, I provided insight into each of the ranked diets. @usnews #diabetesdiet #eatingplan #rdapproved #whattoeat #healthyeating 

https://health.usnews.com/best-diet/best-diets-overall

Happy New Year 2023!

There's no one diet that’s best for everyone. That is why it is important to understand the nuances of each diet. As a panelist for U.S. News & World Report’s #BestDiets, I provided insight into each of the ranked diets. @usnews #diabetesdiet #eatingplan #rdapproved #whattoeat #healthyeating

https://health.usnews.com/best-diet/best-diets-overall
...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 21

Open
Winter has officially begun! Do you find yourself feeling more hungry at this cold time if the year? Plus the wintery forecast leaves you limited to outdoor exercise options. I’m sharing a couple ideas for snacks that aren’t high in calories nor carbs but will curb that hunger. Please share some of your favorite tips below to add to my list. #winterhunger #hungry #diabetes #type1diabetes #type1 #type2diabetes #type2 #snackideas #lowcarb #lowcaloriesnack #lowcarbsnack #bloodsugarbalance @superseedzofficial #popcorn #chaitealatte

Winter has officially begun! Do you find yourself feeling more hungry at this cold time if the year? Plus the wintery forecast leaves you limited to outdoor exercise options. I’m sharing a couple ideas for snacks that aren’t high in calories nor carbs but will curb that hunger. Please share some of your favorite tips below to add to my list. #winterhunger #hungry #diabetes #type1diabetes #type1 #type2diabetes #type2 #snackideas #lowcarb #lowcaloriesnack #lowcarbsnack #bloodsugarbalance @superseedzofficial #popcorn #chaitealatte ...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 20

Open
For many of us, the holiday season can get stressful. For all the parents of young children OR puppies, you will understand this. Yes, I was in the middle of cooking for a holiday party when this was happening. 
I hope this reel brings you joy, laughter and big smiles. #stress #puppylove @springerrescueamerica #englishspringerspaniel #englishspringerspanielpuppy #stressrelief

For many of us, the holiday season can get stressful. For all the parents of young children OR puppies, you will understand this. Yes, I was in the middle of cooking for a holiday party when this was happening.
I hope this reel brings you joy, laughter and big smiles. #stress #puppylove @springerrescueamerica #englishspringerspaniel #englishspringerspanielpuppy #stressrelief
...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 20

Open
Ohhh sooo good! This recipe is a winner on 2 fronts: 1) our friends loved eating these latkes ( potato pancakes) and 2) this was a healthier version of the traditional potato pancake because it replaced white potato with sweetpotato (yes it’s spelled as one word) and they were baked using a little oil, unlike frying the the potato pancakes. Extra bonus especially for people with diabetes or people that like to reduce waste… I used the whole sweetpotato- using the skin of this potato has been shown to improve its glycemic index ( rise in blood sugar after eating a food). 

Let me know if you try this. Happy holidays-

#sweetpotatolatke #chanukah #potatolatkesarethebest #potatopancakes #ncsweetpotatoes @ncsweetpotatoes #makeitncsweet #sweetpotatoisoneword

Ohhh sooo good! This recipe is a winner on 2 fronts: 1) our friends loved eating these latkes ( potato pancakes) and 2) this was a healthier version of the traditional potato pancake because it replaced white potato with sweetpotato (yes it’s spelled as one word) and they were baked using a little oil, unlike frying the the potato pancakes. Extra bonus especially for people with diabetes or people that like to reduce waste… I used the whole sweetpotato- using the skin of this potato has been shown to improve its glycemic index ( rise in blood sugar after eating a food).

Let me know if you try this. Happy holidays-

#sweetpotatolatke #chanukah #potatolatkesarethebest #potatopancakes #ncsweetpotatoes @ncsweetpotatoes #makeitncsweet #sweetpotatoisoneword
...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 19

Open
There’s still plenty of time to order any of my gift ideas for people with diabetes. All of my ideas are set up to be ordered online. Super quick! 

My list is here… https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/top-holiday-gifts-for-people-with-diabetes

#diabetesgiftguide #diabetes #type1diabetes #type1
#typeonediabetes #type2diabetes #type2 #holidaygifts @mbkwear @getjoydays #yogagear @evansoroka #bestdiabetesbooks #gifts @usnews

There’s still plenty of time to order any of my gift ideas for people with diabetes. All of my ideas are set up to be ordered online. Super quick!

My list is here… https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/top-holiday-gifts-for-people-with-diabetes

#diabetesgiftguide #diabetes #type1diabetes #type1
#typeonediabetes #type2diabetes #type2 #holidaygifts @mbkwear @getjoydays #yogagear @evansoroka #bestdiabetesbooks #gifts @usnews
...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 11

Open
Do you find yourself hungrier when the weather gets colder? I find that I do- even when it’s not that cold here! But it’s December and cooler weather is here. Check out my tips for a way to get more food on your plate to fill your hunger. #diabetes #diabetesmanagement #type1diabetes #type1 #type1warrior #lowcaloriemeals #lowcarbmeals #fiber #mealideas #diabetesfriendly #winterhunger #eggenthusiast #eggs

Do you find yourself hungrier when the weather gets colder? I find that I do- even when it’s not that cold here! But it’s December and cooler weather is here. Check out my tips for a way to get more food on your plate to fill your hunger. #diabetes #diabetesmanagement #type1diabetes #type1 #type1warrior #lowcaloriemeals #lowcarbmeals #fiber #mealideas #diabetesfriendly #winterhunger #eggenthusiast #eggs ...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 11

Open
Senior dog rules! #puppylife #englishspringerspaniel #englishspringerspanielpuppy #dogslife #beggingdog @springerrescueamerica

Senior dog rules! #puppylife #englishspringerspaniel #englishspringerspanielpuppy #dogslife #beggingdog @springerrescueamerica ...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 7

Open
The holidays are coming…
1 week + 4 days or
2weeks + 4 days 
Is the holidays and I’ve got you covered with ideas for gifts for people with diabetes. 

https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/top-holiday-gifts-for-people-with-diabetes 

@usnews @mbkwear @getjoydays @evansoroka @ninjakitchen #yoga #yogaequipment @jewellsblackwell #diabetes #diabetesfriendly #diabetesgifts #giftideas #type1diabetes #type2diabetes

The holidays are coming…
1 week + 4 days or
2weeks + 4 days
Is the holidays and I’ve got you covered with ideas for gifts for people with diabetes.

https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/top-holiday-gifts-for-people-with-diabetes

@usnews @mbkwear @getjoydays @evansoroka @ninjakitchen #yoga #yogaequipment @jewellsblackwell #diabetes #diabetesfriendly #diabetesgifts #giftideas #type1diabetes #type2diabetes
...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 6

Open
Enrolled in a class given by Eliza Pinckney ( reenactment) who developed and brought Indigo Blue dye here to South Carolina. I took photos of the Indigo plant with the seeds ( they look like very tiny bananas) that are used to make the dye. 
Creating ( tie dye shirts) was sooo much fun, exciting and relaxing. #funday #indigoblue #southcarolina @dimmosher @coastaldiscoverymuseum

Enrolled in a class given by Eliza Pinckney ( reenactment) who developed and brought Indigo Blue dye here to South Carolina. I took photos of the Indigo plant with the seeds ( they look like very tiny bananas) that are used to make the dye.
Creating ( tie dye shirts) was sooo much fun, exciting and relaxing. #funday #indigoblue #southcarolina @dimmosher @coastaldiscoverymuseum
...

Load More Follow on Instagram

Footer

Recent Posts

  • What You Need To Know About Sleep and Diabetes
  • The Power of Plants
  • Stinkin’ Thinkin’ vs Awesome Thinking About Diabetes
  • What Are the Best Supplements for Diabetes?

Let’s Connect!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Keep in touch with diabetes news.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertising/ Disclosure
  • Contact Toby
  • Terms of Use

Copyright © 2023 Diabetes Everyday · Website by Market Me Social Inc.

Cleantalk Pixel