health sectionhealth sectionIndividuals with diabetes must typically follow dietary guidelines designed to help maintain healthy amounts of glucose (sugar) in their bloodstreams. Failure to maintain blood glucose can result in serious disease complications or death. When diabetics drink alcohol, they add another source of potentially fatal complications from inadequate blood sugar control. However, for individuals with well-managed blood glucose levels, limited alcohol intake may be allowed as part of an appropriate diabetic diet.
People with diabetes can drink, but they must be careful. Even small amounts of alcohol can effect blood sugar levels. Certain types of alcohol are especially problematic.
Diabetes affects 23.6 million adults and children in the United States. The disease occurs when insulin, a hormone that converts sugar and starches and other food energy into energy needed for daily life, is not produced or not properly produced. A recent World Health Organization study reported that each year, 1.8 million deaths result from alcohol. With diabetes and alcohol, the hazards escalate, as blood sugars are affected.
Physicians advise diabetics to avoid drinking alcohol due to its impact on blood pressure levels, liver and circulatory functioning. Alcohol can also have adverse effects on diabetes medications, causing blood sugar levels to fluctuate at alarming rates.To maintain control over the condition, diabetics should avoid consuming alcohol when taking diabetes medication.
Chronic alcohol abuse can contribute to diabetes, and even moderate alcohol intake can worsen the disease. Drinking any amount of alcohol affects your blood sugar levels, which can led to bouts of low blood sugar. If you currently have diabetes, there are standards that you should meet before you consider having a drink. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned with the effect that drinking alcohol will have on your diabetes.
With the rising rates of diabetes, food manufacturers are striving to make products that have fewer carbohydrates yet still are appetizing. In an attempt to accomplish this, they are including sugar alcohols in some items. However, consumers are still worried about whether these items are healthy and worth the extra money they cost.
Sugar alcohols are neither sugar nor alcohol, but combine chemical characteristics of each. Chemically, they are "polyals," and include xylitol, sorbitol and mannitol. The Food and Drug Administration regulates the use of sugar alcohols, classifying them either as food additives or as GRAS (generally regarded as safe). Sugar alcohols are sweet and are sometimes used instead of sugar as part of a diabetic diet.
The key to controlling diabetes is to control blood sugar, as a glucose level that rises and falls rapidly is hard on the body. If you drink alcoholic beverages containing carbohydrates, such as wine or beer, your blood sugar level can rise, then drop quickly. If it drops too low you're in danger of going into diabetic shock or having a reaction. A diabetic whose blood sugar is too low can show the same symptoms as someone who has consumed too much alcohol. According to the American Diabetes Association, hypoglycemia can occur in a diabetic who drinks anytime between the…
Diabetes is a medical condition in which the person has extremely high blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. This can be caused by his inability to produce insulin, as in type 1 diabetes, or his body's inadequate production or inefficient use of insulin, as in type 2 diabetes. A person who has diabetes must be very careful to control his blood sugar levels, through the use of insulin and careful eating and drinking habits. Alcohol, in particular, can be very dangerous for a diabetic.
If you are a diabetic, you should monitor how much alcohol you consume because alcohol can add to the complications associated with diabetes. If you wish to have an occasional glass of wine, cocktail, or a beer, learn to drink with meals or a snack. Of course, always talk with your doctor first.
