Sports Drinks and Diabetics

As we all know, it is important to prevent dehydration and replace electrolytes that can be lost through sweating…but you might want to also consider the amount of carbohydrates and calories that you are consuming when replacing the fluids in your body through sports drinks. 

 

Gatorade:  50 calories, 14 grams carbohydrates

Mountain Dew Sport: 95 calories, 24 grams carbohydrates

All Sport:  70 calories, 19 grams carbohydrates

Rehydrate:  40 calories, 10 grams carbohydrates

Performance:  100 calories, 25 grams carbohydrates

 

So, say you’re working outside in the heat or are sitting in the heat at a sporting event and you consume four 8 oz. bottles of Gatorade, you have taken in 200 calories and 56 grams of carbohydrates.  The calories and carbohydrates can add up quickly, causing high sugar levels.

 

The best practice is to look at each brand’s calorie and carbohydrate counts and the number of drinks you are consuming a day to determine if it is within your daily caloric and carbohydrate requirements.  But it’s also a good idea to supplement sports beverages with plain water!