Even if you’re suffering from diabetes, you can still enjoy a glass of your favorite drink from time to time. But you have to make sure that it won’t interfere with the medication you’re taking. The best way to do this is to consult with your doctor. Also, these tips for diabetics on drinking alcohol will come in handy.
1. Don’t Drink on an Empty Stomach
To maintain proper blood glucose levels, your liver needs to pump enough of it into your bloodstream. But when you’re drinking, your liver is too busy processing the molecules of alcohol. As such, one of the main risks of drinking alcohol for diabetics is that it could result in low blood sugar. To avoid this risk, make sure to eat something before you drink. If you happen to feel dizzy, snack on some food while drinking, too.
2. Drink in Moderation
Whether you have diabetes or not, you should always drink alcohol in moderation. According to the American Diabetes Association, men can have two drinks a day, while women should have no more than one. One glass of beer equals 15 ounces, whereas a glass of wine carries about 5 ounces. Vodka and other distilled spirits usually come in a one-and-a-half-ounce glass.
3. Go for Light Drinks
When managing diabetes, you always need to keep your weight in check. Because of this, one of the first rules of drinking alcohol for diabetics is to check how many calories each drink contains. You should always opt for a lighter drink. For example, one glass of dark beer has 50 percent more calories than the same amount of light beer. But due to their high sugar content, cocktails are the worst offenders in this respect, so try to avoid them whenever possible.
Final Word
Having diabetes doesn’t mean you can never drink alcohol again. As long as you don’t go over the recommended daily limit and eat something while you drink, you have little to worry about. Also, talk to your doctor about the risks of drinking alcohol for diabetics. They’ll take a look at your medication and tell you if it’s safe for you to have an occasional drink.
