CAN DIABETICS TAKE ALCOHOL?
Posted by Dr-Vishwanath on October 21st, 2019
Here is how alcohol impacts diabetes.
1)ALCOHOL CAN INCREASE or DECREASE BLOOD SUGAR.
Alcohol affects individuals depending on age, gender and body weight.
Moderate alcohol intake can increase blood sugars and heavy intake will cause low sugar (Hypoglycaemia).
Alcohol inhibits the liver’s ability to release glucose into the bloodstream and can cause a low blood sugar attack.
Liver gives preference to detoxifying the alcohol over metabolising food.
b)ALCOHOL INTERFERES WITH ACTION OF DIABETIC MEDICATIONS.
Diabetes drug sulfonylureas and insulin can cause hypoglycemia by interacting with alcohol.
Another drug metformin in higher doses can cause lactic acidosis with heavy alcohol consumption.
c) ALCOHOL INCREASES YOUR APPETITE MAKING YOU TO EAT MORE.
Alcohol increases the craving for the food which affects blood sugars.
Many times it is not the alcohol which does harm to health, it is the junk foods eaten with alcohol.
d)Alcohol increases TRIGLYCERIDES.
Alcohol can also cause weight gain.
How much is not Too Much?
Most people with diabetes can safely drink alcohol in moderation and here is small info about how much alcohol can be consumed while you are a Diabetic if you cannot stay away from the saying CHEERS!!!
a) 150 to 200 ml of Wine
b) 2 pints of Regular Beer
c) 2 to 3 small pegs (30ml)of hot drinks like Gin, Vodka or Whisky.
Never try patiala pegs (90ml).
TIPS FOR DIABETICS TO DRINK ALCOHOL SAFELY;
1)Do not drink on an empty stomach
2)Don’t Drink when your blood glucose level is low or high.
3)Do not replace food with alcohol.
4)Drink with a zero-sugar and zero-alcohol drink (water, soda)
5)Hydrate well.
Keep sipping water to avoid dehydration.
6)Monitor your blood sugars before and after drinking.
7)Avoid drinks if you have coexisting liver or kidney problems.
Research shows that a moderate amount of alcohol will not have a serious effect on the blood sugar levels of people with type 1 or 2 diabetes.
Alcohol must always be taken moderately with awareness of its effects on blood sugars and health.
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