A very common question people with diabetes will ask is can they drink alcohol or is it a non-starter? They know how certain foods will affect their blood glucose levels but they are sure how alcohol will affect it. Before you drink any alcohol the American Diabetes Association wants you to ask yourself 3 things. Do you have your diabetes under control, do you have other health issues that can be complicated by alcohol and do you truly understand how alcohol can affect you?
If you don't know the right answers to those questions then it's sensible that you speak with your doctor as soon as possible. At least hold off drinking any alcohol until your doctor clears you. Let me briefly explain how alcohol effects your body. It only takes five minutes for alcohol to enter your bloodstream and start taking its course.
Once you have a glass of alcohol your liver will step in and metabolize it. On average it will take you about two hours to metabolize one glass. If you drink too fast, or take it to the head as they say, you will have too much in your system and it will quickly enter your bloodstream and work its way to other parts of your body. This is how you get what is known as a buzz from drinking too much too fast.
If you are on insulin or take other medication for diabetes, drinking alcohol can cause your blood sugar to drop to dangerously low levels. This is because your liver will be working over time trying to remove all the alcohol from your system. And that means it won't be doing its main job which is to regulate your blood sugar.
If for some reason you decide you want to drink alcohol and have diabetes, here are a few things you should do. First consult with your doctor. Ask if it is ok for you to drink alcohol. If it is, make sure you monitor your blood sugar before, during and after you have had your last drink. You should also check it before you lay down to go to bed.
Be sure to eat something before you drink any alcohol. Food will help to slow down the rate at which the alcohol will be absorbed into your bloodstream. And last but by no means least, do everything in moderation. You don't want to be a binge drinker. It is not the responsible thing to do. If you must have a drink, drink no more then 2 glasses a day. Diabetes (or pre diabetes) is not a disease to be ignored and must be taken seriously.
Should you be unfortunate enough to be a diabetes or pre diabetes sufferer, then please have a look at this website for up to the minute information about your condition.
