Diabetes does not mean you can never have an alcoholic drink, but it does mean you need to be more cautious than someone without diabetes. Understanding the effect of alcohol on blood sugar levels and the liver may help you choose alcoholic drinks wisely. As long as your diabetes is controlled and you take certain precautions, you may enjoy an occasional drink.
Alcohol and Blood Glucose
The liver controls blood sugar levels by releasing glucose into the bloodstream, says the Mayo Clinic. Alcohol interferes with this process, particularly if you are taking insulin or oral diabetes medications. Two ounces of alcohol, or approximately two shots of hard liquor, is enough to lower blood glucose levels in a person with diabetes, explains the Mayo Clinic. Alcohol is absorbed directly into the blood stream from the stomach and is then metabolized by the liver. If the liver is occupied with eliminating alcohol, it cannot effectively release glucose, and blood sugar levels may drop too low, according to the Ohio State University Medical Center (OSUMC). Alcohol may also raise blood glucose levels if you consume drinks with a high sugar content, such as margaritas, daiquiris or ice cream drinks.
Alcohol and Weight
All alcoholic drinks are high in calories, almost twice the calories found in carbohydrates or proteins, states OSUMC. If you want to incorporate alcohol into your diet, remember to count those calories in your daily count, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Alcohol also affects your judgment, says the American Diabetic Association (ADA). You may find it harder to stay on your diet while drinking.
Drink Choices
Select low-calorie, low-alcohol drinks such as light beers and dry wine, or distilled liquors combined with sugar-free mixers, for example, club soda, diet cola or water. The ADA recommends that men limit alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day, one drink daily for women. One drink equals 12 oz beer, 5 oz. wine or 1-1/2 oz. distilled liquor. Avoid drinks high in sugar, including port wine and liqueurs, says OSUMC.
Tips
Only drink alcohol if your blood glucose is controlled, and consult your healthcare provider to ensure alcohol will not interfere with your medication, according to the ADA. Never drink on an empty stomach. Eat snacks such as popcorn, pretzels, crackers or raw vegetables while drinking. Sip your drink slowly and have a low-calorie, nonalcoholic beverage on hand to satisfy your thirst.
Cautions
Always check your blood glucose levels before and while drinking and before bed, says the ADA. Do not drink alcohol if your blood glucose is low. Hypoglycemia and intoxication have similar symptoms (dizziness, sleepiness and disorientation), and the conditions may be confused. Always wear a medical alert bracelet stating you have diabetes. Alcohol may aggravate diabetes-associated nerve and eye damage, according to OSUMC. Alcohol use may interfere with elimination of lipids, so avoid alcohol if you have high triglyceride levels. Heavy drinking (more than three drinks per day) can cause liver damage, further complicating diabetes treatment.
