Alcohol and Diabetes: Is It Safe?

Type 2 diabetes is a serious health problem that affects many Americans. This condition is characterized by disruptions in the normal processing of sugar within the body. Patients who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are asked to change their diets and to start exercising to help get sugars back to normal glucose levels. This is often a long, difficult process for most patients. One thing that many patients enjoy is their daily glass of wine or beer and many fear that, if they ask, their doctor will say that they can no longer have that.

The American Diabetes Association does not recommend against the consumption of alcohol as long as it is done in moderation. Patients with diabetes are given the same advice as other patients, as long as they do not have other health problems that alcohol can affect. Men are advised to limit their intake to two or less glasses per day. Women are advised to stick to one or less drinks per day.

What is important for patients to understand is that alcohol may affect them different now that they are diabetic. Alcohol stops the liver from releasing stored sugars and it also increases the effectiveness of insulin. Although it may sound like this is a good thing, it can result in patients have blood sugar levels that drop too low. When levels drop too low the patient can experience headaches, shakiness, fainting and coma. What is particularly dangerous about alcohol is that it may affect the patient's ability to recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia before it is too late.

In addition, diabetic patients who use medications and insulin to lower blood glucose readings are at the highest risk for dangerously low blood sugar drops because of alcohol. These patients may not be aware of this risk if they never discuss their alcohol use with their doctor. Patients who take these medications should never drink on an empty stomach. They should be advised to limit their intake to the recommended amounts and to snack while drinking. Meals should never be skipped to replace the carbohydrates or calories with an alcoholic beverage.

People with type 2 diabetes should not be afraid to discuss their alcohol use with their doctor. Knowing the risks of drinking for the diabetic patient is extremely important. By discussing this with your doctor you can learn how to avoid dangerous complications and how to drink alcohol safely. In addition, you may learn that you are drinking too much and can get help to reduce the amount of alcohol that you are drinking. Always ask your doctor if it is safe to drink, especially if you have been prescribed medications for your diabetes.