Tips for Living with Type 2 Diabetes
While there may be health benefits to drinking alcohol in moderation, keep the effects of alcohol on your blood glucose levels in mind. For diabetes patients, when alcohol is consumed, the liver is too busy breaking the alcohol down to release glucose. Therefore, drinking alcohol can increase your risk of low blood sugar, even with diet and exercise management. If you like to enjoy an alcoholic beverage from time to time, there are a few things you should keep in mind to enjoy it safely as a diabetes patient. You shouldn’t drink on an empty stomach or while your blood sugar is low. Don’t omit one of your regular meals and replace it with alcohol. Keep an eye on your blood sugar before and up to 24 hours after drinking, as alcohol can cause hypoglycemia, a condition that occurs when blood glucose levels are below normal. If you notice your blood sugar is low after drinking, eat something to raise it. Keeping a zero-calorie beverage like diet soda or water with you as you drink can help you stay hydrated. Finally, if you do decide to drink, enjoy it! Sip slowly and make it last.
Image courtesy of Andrey Kryuchkov | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Gvictoria | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Katarzyna Bialasiewicz | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Eugene Bochkarev | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Kiatiopl Kumphoo | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Edward J Bock 111 | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Bobyramone | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Mikael Damkier | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Alvera | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Photographerlondon | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Poznyakov | Dreamstime.com Image courtesy of Claus Mikosch | Dreamstime.com PubMed Health, "Type 2 Diabetes" American Diabetes Association, "Choosing What, How Much, and When to Eat" American Diabetes Association, "Medecines" American Diabetes Association, "Diabetes Meal Plans and a Healthy Diet" American Diabetes Association, "Getting Active" RxWiki, "Medications" American Diabetes Association, "Checking Blood Glucose" American Diabetes Association, "Weight Loss" American Diabetes Association, "Weight Loss" CDC, "Smoking and Diabetes" American Diabetes Association, "Alcohol" Diabetes Teaching Center, "Diabetes & Alcohol" Mayo Clinic, "Diabetes" Joslin, "Sleep Problems and Diabetes" American Diabetes Association, "Foot Complications" American Diabetes Association, "Getting Support"