subject: Diabetes and Consuming Alcohol : Must I Give It All Up [print this page] Many people do enjoy an occasional drink of alcohol for pleasure at a party, while watching the game, at a BBQ in the backyard or any other function where a group of friends and family join together for the day. But what are your chances now that you have been diagnosed as a diabetic that you can keep enjoying this long time tradition? Precautionary Measures To Follow For Safety Having diabetes does not automatically exclude you from enjoying an occasional beer or ale. If you are in good health otherwise and your blood sugars are well-controlled, having a drink (one for women and two for men) can be factored into your daily life and meal plan with just a little extra attention to the details.
Always have a small or regular size meal before you have your drink.A couple of bites does not qualify as a meal. These small bites do not count. You must get some food into your system first. The reason for this, your liver is the organ which is responsible for removing any of the effects of the alcohol from your system. The liver also has the responsibility to control the excretion of insulin as your body needs it to control your blood sugar levels. If you drink first, eat second, the liver is so busy working on the alcohol it does not take the time to worry about your insulin needs at that moment.
In the opposite scenario, when you eat first, drink second, the liver has already released the appropriate amount of insulin and it is already flowing through your system. Therefore when the alcohol arrives, the insulin is already doing its job of keeping your blood sugar levels controlled. Therefore the possibility of extreme blood sugar spikes has been minimized unless you over-indulge while drinking.
Some people actually go into a low blood sugar reaction because of the release of insulin to control the blood sugar levels from any alcoholic beverage. Confide in several other people at the event and explain what could possibly happen. If you do show any of the symptoms, they will be prepared to offer assistance when needed.
Keep your blood glucose meter with you at the party so you can test several times during the day. This way the necessary steps can be taken in case of rising or falling blood sugar levels. Always wear a medical ID tag in case you are transported to a hospital or clinic. Precious minutes can be saved if the personnel notice immediately that you are a diabetic.
So with these few pre-planned measures from above, you can plan a safe and enjoyable day which will continue to ensure your health and safety.
Diabetes and Consuming Alcohol : Must I Give It All Up
