Some people stop drinking alcohol after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. They decide that the medical risks they run by choosing to drink outweigh any pleasure they get from drinking. Others find that drinking drastically worsens their diabetes symptoms, so they choose to avoid alcohol.
Sugar Alcohol and Diabetes: How Sweet Is This Pair?
However, the carb content of your drink may vary depending on what you mix the liquor with. Most importantly, if individuals wish to engage in moderate drinking, they should first discuss it with their doctor. If your glucose drops to less https://financeinquirer.com/top-5-advantages-of-staying-in-a-sober-living-house/ than 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), you’ll need to down 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates. This could be three or four glucose tablets, 4 ounces of juice (a small juice box), or five pieces of hard candy (and not chocolate).
Alcohol and Diabetes: Can Alcohol Use Cause Diabetes?
This is a greater concern for people with type 1 diabetes, but those with type 2 diabetes should also consider the risk of low blood sugar. Certain diabetes medications, such as insulin and sulfonylureas, can increase your risk of hypoglycemia, and alcohol further affects that risk. If you’re taking medication, talk with your doctor about Top 5 Advantages of Staying in a Sober Living House whether and how you can safely drink alcohol. Keep reading to learn more about how alcohol affects people with diabetes, including types of alcohol and how alcohol may cause hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar levels. While moderate alcohol consumption lowers blood sugar, heavy consumption is harmful to diabetes and other aspects of health.
- Art Hsieh, MA, NRP teaches in Northern California at the Public Safety Training Center, Santa Rosa Junior College in the Emergency Care Program.
- Drinking coffee might help lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by improving sugar metabolism over time, according to a 2018 review of studies.
- For example, studies have shown that for people who have type 2 diabetes, occasionally drinking alcohol may slightly reduce glucose levels.
What do I need to be careful of when it comes to diabetes and alcohol?
They should also keep a closer watch on their blood sugar so they can quickly react if levels fall too low. The bottom line is that any person with diabetes who wishes to consume alcohol should first discuss it with a doctor. Drinking is individualized and there’s no universal rule for how to do it safely when you live with diabetes. Talk to your doctor about your drinking habits and they can provide you with tips and tricks for how drink in a way that works for you.