Diabetes is one of the chronic health
disorders that are associated with a lot
of complications. This is because the increased
blood sugar affects virtually every organ in the body. Therefore, diabetics ask
a lot of questions about what and what not to do.
Most people like to take a little alcohol,
diabetics are not exempted. Should a diabetic take alcohol? What will happen if
they take?
The American Diabetes Association has
released some guidelines on diabetes and alcohol.
These guidelines are just informative; the
ultimate decision rest on your doctor. Good control of your blood sugar level
decreases the risk for complications, helps increase lifespan and improves
overall quality of life. Read about the guidelines below.
Many people with diabetes can have a moderate
amount of alcohol if they want. Still there are some people who should avoid
alcohol. If you have questions about whether alcohol is safe for you, talk to your
doctor.
A moderate amount of alcohol is no more than:
·
1 drink for
women per day.
·
2 drinks for men per day.
One drink is equal to:
·
1 ½ ounces
of liquor.
·
12 ounces of
beer.
·
5 ounces of
wine.
Keep safe if you drink alcohol
Drinking alcohol can lower your blood glucose for up to 24 hours.
To stay safe, follow these tips:
·
Always eat
if you drink alcohol.
·
Check your
blood glucose more often the day you drink and the next day to see how alcohol
affects you.
·
Tell people
with you that you have diabetes and teach them about signs of low blood
glucose.
·
Check the
size of your glasses. Most wine glasses hold much more than 5 ounces of wine.
Large beer glasses are more than 12 ounces.
Who should not drink at all?
·
Those with
alcohol problems, pregnant women or those under the age of 21.
·
If your doctor has told you not to.
·
If your
diabetes is not in good control, wait till it is in good control before you
drink.
·
If you have
complications such as severe neuropathy.
·
If you take
medicines that say avoid alcohol on the bottle.
If you have questions about whether alcohol is safe for you, talk to
your doctor.
Choose lower calorie options
·
Light beer
instead of regular.
·
Dry red or
white wine.
·
Drinks made
with sugar free mixers like diet soda, light cranberry juice, or diet tonic
water.
·
Skinny
mixers like lower calorie/sugar margaritas.
Avoid high calorie drinks
·
Liqueurs –
like Irish Crème.
·
High calorie
mixed drinks like margaritas, Pina coladas, mudslides.
·
Drinks mixed
with cream.
·
Full sugar
soda and other sugary mixes.
Source: diabetes.org
For more information visit diabetes.org
or call 1-800-DIABETES
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