One of the questions that people with diabetes often ask is whether they can drink alcohol. Well, the answer is YES! Drinking any alcoholic beverage is acceptable for individuals with abnormal blood sugar levels, as long as they do not abuse this freedom. Monitoring the levels of blood glucose is still necessary to ensure that episodes of diabetes attacks do not happen.
How does alcohol consumption affect the status of blood glucose?
Alcohol consumption causes blood glucose to rise. Additionally, excess consumption of alcohol can also cause hypoglycemia. As beer comprises a large number of carbohydrates, the blood glucose levels can extensively spike if alcohol abuse is done. This explains the average alcohol consumption at only two glasses a day. However, consult your doctor to identify other underlying health conditions that can affect your body.
Smart Tips in Drinking Alcohol
These are helpful tips to safely consume alcohol despite a type 1 diabetes diagnosis. Consider the following:
- Be familiar with the symptoms – Familiarizing the symptoms of diabetes, especially hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia is necessary. You can also educate your friends about your condition so that when everything goes downhill during your party or get-together, they can respond immediately.
- Do not fast – Avoid fasting when you plan to drink. Enjoy any alcoholic beverage on a full stomach. This will prevent any form of complications that may lead to unconscious.
- Follow your insulin medication – Before enjoying a single glass of beer, it is necessary to receive approval from your doctor first. Once the doctor agrees, your medication or insulin dosage will be adjusted. Expect to undergo some side effects during the process.
- Keep yourself hydrated – Should you have plans to consume alcohol for the night, alternating between alcohol and water is a must. This will prevent you from acquiring hypoglycemia.
Takeaway
While it is allowed for people with diabetes to drink alcohol, keeping in mind its impact on their blood sugar levels is necessary. Consuming this beverage can cause the blood glucose to drop. Additionally, the presence of sugar in different beverages can also cause a rise in the blood sugar level. This explains the continued monitoring of the levels of blood glucose, and the number of carbohydrates consumed.
People with diabetes are always reminded to choose a drink that will not negatively impact their blood sugar levels. Following such instruction can help them in preventing diabetes-related complications.
Doctor’s Recommendation
While alcohol is detrimental for everyone, complete abstinence from alcohol is advised for people with diabetes, as sugary alcohol may spike blood sugar levels, whereas hard liquors may impair gluconeogenesis and cause hypoglycemia. Therefore, alcohol may cause unpredictable effects on blood sugars.
