What happens when diabetes and alcohol comes together
The combination of diabetes and alcohol is simply a bad idea. But, if you must drink booze, you should learn the limits to your beverage enjoyment. For many diabetics the price may be too high to risk it, but for others the price of not enjoying a drink with friends is too high.
What happens when a diabetic drinks alcohol?
Drinking will increase blood sugar because it is processed in the body the same way that fat is processed in the liver. That is only with moderate consumption. Excessive consumption can lead to a very dangerous drop in blood sugar because the diabetic body cannot create the proper balance of insulin and glucose. The carbohydrates in beers and wines can increase blood sugar, too.
Overeating often causes diabetics medical problems. Booze often stimulates people to eat more. The combination of excessive food and booze creates a perfect scenario for a quick downfall. Also, you should keep in mind that alcohol tends to interfere with how your medication works. That is a Triple Threat to the system. In addition to the effects on blood sugar, booze can also increase triglycerides and blood pressure.
All this sets up a person with diabetes to experience the following:
- Flushing: Redness in the skin; particularly the face and neck
- Nausea
- Increased heart rate
- Slurred speech.
Those sound an awful lot like being in a drunken state, but these conditions often happen after only a drink or two.
Set safe limits for a better night of fun
If you have diabetes and you really want to drink at a party or have an occasional drink you should discuss it with your doctor. This is especially true if you are overweight or obese and if you have high blood pressure. Before you do go out for drinks, test your glucose levels and adjust your drinking according to your levels.
For a safe drinking experience, follow these guidelines:
- Drink no more than 2 drinks in a single 24 hour period:
- 5 oz. wine
- 1.5 oz. shot of harder liquor
- 12 oz. can of beer
- Drink with food to help absorb the alcohol
- Drink slowly to extend the pleasure of the drink and allow the body to acclimate to the sugars in the alcohol.
- Avoid the fancy drink mixes that are packed with processed sugars
- Dilute the booze with water or diet soda pop.
You’re young and free (or older and spoken for) and you want to enjoy a few drinks with your friends. That is certainly reasonable. But you have a special situation in your life that you can’t simply ignore because it’s inconvenient to you. How much fun will you have after you are totally trashed and you recall nothing from your night out? How much fun with a visit to the hospital be when you overdo it? Is the safety of your health as important to you as it is to your loved ones? It probably is, so please use these guidelines so your night out results in a pleasant morning after.