Source: Ohio.gov
Alcohol is used worldwide in social setting, even within religion and in the privacy of our homes. Viewed as a socially acceptable substance it is no wonder that alcohol has become the most commonly abused substance with millions fighting addictions.
However, you do not need to be one of the victims of alcoholism to suffer alcohols devastating effects. When consuming alcohol is affects many organs in our body as it passes along to be filtered out, this is where the real damage occurs. So regardless to if you are a casual drinker or someone who has fallen victim to addiction, the alcohol you consume can be causing life threatening effects.
Alcohol is a Threat to a Diabetic
Many do not think about alcohol and how it will affect their diabetes. Each snack they have or drink they consume they’re fully aware of what is in it and how it will change the sugar levels within their body. Does the thought come to mind with alcohol? For most it does not but they should be aware that alcohol processed in a similar to which other foods and beverages we consume are and it can raise your blood sugar levels.
This does not mean that diabetics can not drink alcohol. It just means that they should be fully aware of their health situation and only drink when their sugar levels are controlled. If you are concerned or suffer from any other health issues such as high blood pressure or high triglyceride levels it would be wise to consult a medical professional before having an alcoholic drink.
How Alcohol Is Processed By The Body
When consuming an alcoholic beverage it bipasses being metabolized by your stomach and quickly enters into your bloodstream. The alcohol is processed through the body and sent to the liver where it will be metabolized. For the average person the metabolization process takes up to two hours per drink consumed.
When drinking excessive amounts of alcohol before the body is able to metabolize it allows the alcohol to then head up to the brain where it creates its pleasurable effects. For those with diabetes and drinking alcohol they are put at risk for their blood sugar to rise with moderate amounts of alcohol and for those drinking large amounts of alcohol to see a sudden dip in their blood sugar because the liver is working overtime to process the alcohol rather than focusing on producing the right level of blood sugar for the body.
The Effects of Alcohol on Diabetes
As you know moderate amounts of alcohol when consumed will cause your blood sugar to rise. When drinking excessive amounts of alcohol it can have the opposite effect, causing your blood sugar to drop low and for some to dangerous levels. Different types of alcoholic beverages such as beer and wines contain carbohydrates which adds to the rise in blood sugar levels. Not only does the alcohol itself have effects on your diabetes but it too increases hunger which leads to the individual over eating which too increases blood sugar levels. Alcohol can even block the positive effects of insulin or oral medications used to treat diabetes.
Three Basic Questions
The American Diabetes Association tells those with diabetes to ask themselves three simple questions before they choose to consume an alcoholic beverage:
1 Is your diabetes well controlled?
2 Do you suffer from any other health conditions which alcohol can worsen?
3 Are you aware of the effects of alcohol on your diabetes?
Before you pick up a drink be sure to answer these questions honestly to ensure your health and safety.
Safe Drinking When a Diabetic
As a diabetic it is extremely important to drink safely. Wearing an diabetic medical ID will help to keep you safe just incase something were to go wrong. It is important to be aware of the signs of hypoglycemia and not peg them up to be drunkeness. If you experience sleepiness, dizziness, and disorientation your blood sugar may be too low, check it and consult a medical professional if so. There are other ways to ensure your safety when drinking alcohol such as:
- Talk to a Medical Professional before drinking alcohol. They will give you a medical opinion if this is a safe choice to drink with your diabetes.
- Before you start drinking be aware of your blood sugar level. You should keep track of your levels during and after you have consumed alcohol to prevent a sudden rise of decrease in blood sugar levels.
- Eat while drinking to allow you body to metabolize the alcohol in a safer way. The food you will consume will slow down alcohol absorption in your bloodstream.
- Do not binge drink
- Carry glucose tablets with you just in case your sugar levels do drop.
- Carry insulin with you just in case your sugar levels rise too high.
- Do not exercise when consuming alcohol because this can greaten your risk of having low blood sugar levels.
If you are a diabetic or are on a medication used to lower your blood glucose levels it is important to drink alcohol with caution. Be aware of the effects of alcohol on diabetes, how it is processed by the body and key ways to ensure your safety while drinking. If you are at all concerned contact a medical professional before consuming any alcohol.
