If you have diabetes, you may have a question that comes to mind when you get together with friends or go to a party. "Can I drink a little alcohol? Will it affect my condition?" This is a question that many people have, and it's a very important question. Because when someone with diabetes drinks alcohol, it affects their body a little differently. So let's talk about this clearly and simply today.
How does alcohol affect diabetes?
The biggest and most dangerous risk for someone with diabetes when they drink alcohol is a sudden and dangerous drop in blood sugar levels. We medically call this hypoglycemia . We usually talk about this condition when the blood sugar level drops below 70 mg/dL.
How the liver functions are disrupted
Let's simply understand how this happens.
Think of your liver as someone doing two very important jobs at the same time.
1. Sugar storage: One of the main functions of the liver is to release sugar (glucose) into the blood to provide energy to the body during times when you are not eating, such as when you are sleeping at night. This is what keeps blood sugar levels stable.
2. Purification Center: The liver's other main function is to break down toxins, such as alcohol, that enter the body and help remove them from the body through the kidneys.
Now, when you drink alcohol, it becomes difficult for the liver to do both of these jobs at once. The liver then prioritizes the more urgent and dangerous task, which is to remove the alcohol from the body. So, when the liver is overwhelmed with that task, the process of releasing sugar into the blood almost completely stops.
The result is that your blood sugar levels can drop dramatically, especially if you drink alcohol on an empty stomach .
It usually takes the liver between 1 and 1.5 hours to metabolize one drink of alcohol. During that entire time, you are at risk of hypoglycemia. The more you drink, the greater your risk.
What are the other effects?
In addition to the risk of hypoglycemia, alcohol can cause other problems.
- Weight gain: Alcohol is high in calories. It can also increase your appetite and lead to binge eating. This can make it even harder for someone with diabetes to control their weight.
- Blood pressure and cholesterol: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and triglyceride levels, a type of fat in the blood.
- Interference with diabetes medications: Alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of some of the diabetes pills and insulin you take.
- Exacerbation of existing complications: If you already have complications due to diabetes, alcohol can make them worse.
- Nerve problems such as burning and numbness in the limbs (diabetic neuropathy) .
- Kidney damage.
- Eye damage (diabetic retinopathy) .
Don't confuse the symptoms of low blood sugar with drunkenness!
This is another dangerous thing. The symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) are very similar to the symptoms of a 'high' from drinking alcohol.
Imagine, your speech is slurred, your body feels weak, your head is spinning, and you feel like you can't keep your mind in one place. These symptoms are common in both. Because of this, those around you may not realize that your blood sugar is low. They may think you are 'just a little high.' Because of this confusion, it may be too late to get the emergency treatment you need, and the situation may worsen.
If you drink alcohol, be careful about these things
First of all, it's best to avoid alcohol completely if you have diabetes. However, if you still want to drink some alcohol, you should definitely talk to your doctor before making a decision. Only he or she can tell you exactly how it will affect your health and the medications you are taking. If he or she gives you permission, be sure to consider the following:
| Things to do (The 'Dos') | The 'Don'ts' |
|---|---|
| Drink only with food: Never drink on an empty stomach. Take alcohol with a carbohydrate-rich meal (like rice, bread, potatoes). | Don't combine with exercise: Avoid drinking alcohol on a day of exercise. Both of these lower blood sugar, doubling the risk. |
| Drink slowly: Don't drink a large amount at once. Drink slowly, little by little. | Avoid high-sugar drinks: Do not mix high-sugar drinks, such as soft drinks and fruit juices, with alcohol. |
| Check your blood sugar levels: Check your blood sugar levels regularly before, during, and for 24 hours after drinking alcohol. | Don't drink if your blood sugar is low: If your blood sugar is already low, avoid drinking alcohol completely. |
| Wear a Medical Alert: Wear a bracelet or necklace that says "I have Diabetes." It could be a lifesaver in an emergency. | Don't if you're trying to lose weight: Alcohol is high in calories and can interfere with a weight loss program. |
What are the appropriate drinks to choose?
If you drink alcohol, it is wise to choose beverages that are low in carbohydrates and sugar.
- Low-sugar wine (Dry red or white wine)
- Light beer
- Spirits like Gin, Vodka, Whiskey mixed with water, soda, or diet soft drinks
Can alcohol cause diabetes?
Research has not yet proven a direct link between alcohol consumption and diabetes. However, there is evidence that heavy drinking increases the risk of developing diabetes. This is because excessive alcohol consumption damages the liver and pancreas. When the function of both these organs is impaired, the body's ability to control sugar is completely impaired.
Take-Home Message
- If you have diabetes, talking to your doctor before even thinking about drinking alcohol is the first and most important step.
- Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach. Only drink alcohol with a meal containing carbohydrates.
- Be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and inform your family and close friends about it.
- If you drink alcohol, limit it to very limited amounts (drink in moderation).
- Check your blood sugar levels regularly before, during, and for 24 hours after drinking alcohol. It is especially important to check before going to bed.
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