Alcohol can be both a risk and an advantage for people having diabetes. For some, it's an element of social life that we all wish to have and yet also worry about its adverse impacts on health. In this post, we are going to discuss in depth the impact of alcohol on diabetes and how diabetic patients can drink safely.
1. Effects of Alcohol on Blood Sugar
How Alcohol Affects Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetics: Some ways it does this is by decreasing blood sugar, but after some time will actually increase blood sugar.
1.1. Immediate Risk: Hypoglycemia
Since alcohol is processed in the liver, it lowers blood sugar. This may result in hypoglycemia when you immediately drink it or the next morning.
1.2. Long-term influence: Hypoglycemia Risk
However, the carbs in alcohol can spike your blood sugar. Sweet wines and cocktails are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to skyrocketing blood sugar levels.
2. Diabetes Complications: The Effects of Alcohol
Alcohol intake might boost the risk of diabetes and its complications.
2.1. Neuropathy
In addition, alcohol is a direct toxin to peripheral nerves that may further aggravate diabetic neuropathy.
2.2. Retinopathy
Alcohol increases blood pressure, and damages vessels, causing retinopathy in diabetes to progress.
2.3. Kidney Disease
The diuretic effects of alcohol add extra strain on the kidneys, therefore increasing your chances of diabetic kidney disease.
3. Safe Water Drinking Guide for Diabetics
Although total abstinence is the most desirable option, it may not be feasible for some. ==> Check out our guidelines for drinking when you have diabetes
3.1. Keep Alcohol Drinking Within Moderation
- Men: less than 2 drinks a day
- For Women: No more than 1 drink per day
3.2. Preparation Before Drinking
- Drink after eating
- Check blood sugar
- Have snacks ready if blood sugar drops.
3.3. Precautions While Drinking
- Drink slowly
- Alternate with water
- Opt for low-carb alcoholic drinks
3.4. Post-drinking Management
- Check blood sugar before bed
- Check blood glucose again the following morning
- Stay hydrated
4. Alcohol- Diabetes Medicine Interactions
Several category of diabetes medications are able to interact with alcohol. Be especially wary of medications with these features:
- Risk of lactic acidosis is higher with Metformin
- Sone sulfonylureas: Increased hypoglycemia risk
- Insulin : Higher likelihood of hypoglycemia
For this reason, please see your healthcare professional if you plan on consuming alcohol as it may require a medication adjustment.
5. Lighter Options: Non-alcoholic Beverages
While going alcohol-free is hard enough, ditch the bottle with a few of these non-alcoholic options in mind:
- Water with a splash of lemon, lime or another fruit
- Non-alcoholic beer (be sure to read the carbohydrate content!)
- Herbal tea
- Tomato juice
They can help manage blood sugar while you are socialising and alcohol is equally left aside.
Conclusion
The relation between the alcohol and diabetes is somewhat complicated as there are both beneficial/damaging factors of this relationship. Abstinence is best, but if that's not feasible, it's important to follow the appropriate guidelines. Be always cautious and alert of the state of your body, do consult regularly with you doctor to find out what is the best method for managing it.
Consult this guide to help you make wise decisions for the betterment of your health and life. It all comes down to petty things in life, if you follow them well everthing else will be taken care of automatically. We are here to celebrate blood sugar management and living well!
