Having diabetes means taking precautions when it comes to incorporating alcohol into your diet. Alcohol in high amounts can pose a risk for anybody, but as a diabetic, drinking alcohol presents additional risks. This doesn't mean that you can't enjoy wine, beer or liquor on occasion, but you should be keenly aware of your diabetic state and speak with your doctor first before having a sip.
Affects of Alcohol
Once alcohol enters your system, it moves into the bloodstream. Your liver metabolizes the alcohol, but can easily become overworked if too much alcohol is consumed. According to MayoClinic.com, it takes about two hours for your liver to metabolize one drink. Hypoglycemia can set in shortly after drinking and last between eight to 12 hours thereafter. If you drink at a fast rate, excess alcohol bypasses the liver and enters into other body parts, including your brain. As a diabetic, you rely on your liver to regulate your blood sugar level. When you drink, the liver's focus shifts to removing the alcohol from your blood, rather than regulating your sugar.
Medication Interaction
Take caution when drinking alcohol if you are on insulin or other diabetic medications. The alcohol detracts the liver from doing its primary job of regulating your blood sugar level, while the medications promote insulin production in the pancreas. If your blood glucose is low, drinking alcohol can be dangerous and cause hypoglycemia. The effects are made worse if you drink on an empty stomach. Symptoms of hypoglycemia and excess alcohol are similar. They include sleepiness, confusion and dizziness. You should always wear some type of identification that alerts others you are a diabetic. This way, if you have hypoglycemia, your condition can be accurately diagnosed and not written off as a harmless "buzz."
Guidelines for Drinking
Speak with your doctor first before you decide to incorporate alcohol into your diet. He can help determine the severity of your diabetic state and whether it is safe for you to consume alcohol. Conditions like diabetic nerve damage and high blood pressure can be exasperated by alcohol. If you are cleared by your doctor to have alcohol, be sure to always check your blood glucose level before, during and after drinking. Always eat something before drinking alcohol and never binge drink. The American Diabetes Association recommends that men have no more than two drinks per day, and women one drink per day. Keep glucose tablets or other sugar sources on you at all times. Avoid exercising while or after drinking. A high heart rate can promote a drop in your blood sugar level.
How to Drink
Incorporate alcohol slowly into your diet. Try drinks that have a low percentage of alcohol content, such as spritzers instead of regular wine. Couple your alcoholic drink with a glass of water or other non-caloric drink, and use non-caloric mixers, such as club or diet soda. Eat a full meal before drinking alcohol and snack on foods like pretzels, crackers and raw vegetables while drinking. Naturally, don't drive a car when you drink or plan to drive for at least four hours after drinking. You should consult a dietitian to help you safely introduce alcohol into your diet.
