### Should You Drink Juice If You Have Diabetes? Juices are everywhere these days. They can be found in grocery stores and convenience stores with a wide variety of flavors like mango-melon, strawberry-kiwi, and carrot-apple-ginger. While fruit and vegetable juices are full of antioxidants that can help fight diseases such as cancer, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, they also come with some downsides. When selecting a juice, it's important to read the label carefully. Many so-called juices contain little real juice and have more added sugar than anything else. Your best choice is one that is 100% fruit or vegetable juice. Even then, remember that juices lack the fiber of whole fruit, so they should count for only one of your five recommended servings of fruit or veggies a day. Pure fruit juice is nutritious and delicious, containing vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. However, they are high in naturally occurring simple sugars. This can cause your blood sugar to spike, which is why diabetics often use orange juice for a quick fix for low blood sugar. But these natural sugars can add up to lots of calories, making it easy to overdo them. Whole fruit is more filling because it contains fiber that helps slow down digestion. The key to enjoying juices while managing your calorie intake is moderation. Look for juices that are rich in color, as they tend to be highest in antioxidants and phytochemicals. For example, pink grapefruit juice has antioxidants like lycopene and beta-carotene, which are not found in regular grapefruit juice. Vegetable juices are another great option. They are usually lower in calories and higher in fiber than fruit juices, making them a satisfying snack. However, be mindful of their sodium content and look for lower-sodium varieties. To be safe, avoid unpasteurized juices, which can harbor harmful bacteria. Some juices offer additional benefits beyond their nutrient value. For example, prune juice can help with constipation, and cranberry juice can help prevent bladder and urinary tract infections. In summary, while juices can be a healthy addition to your diet, it's important to choose wisely and consume them in moderation, especially if you have diabetes.