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You don’t have to be a tippler to enjoy the occasional drink. Unfortunately, diabetes can severely limit your capacity for alcohol consumption and it also requires that you exercise considerable caution. However, you don’t have to become a teetotaler if you learn to choose the right types of alcohol and can drink smart. The cautious approach to alcohol is absolutely essential because drinking alcohol can cause blood sugar levels to either rise or fall dangerously; the effects can vary depending on your choice of drink and what you’ve eaten. In general, it is safest to avoid alcohol intake altogether when you suffer from diabetes, but for those who enjoy their alcohol there is some good news.
The ‘Good’ Alcohols For Diabetes
Beer
Light beers are a safer choice for anyone with diabetes, but you need to make sure that your beer is actually low in carbs, with a pint containing no more than 5 grams of carbs. Typically, light beers are lagers and they also have a much lower calorie content.
Red Wines
When consumed in moderation, wine may actually offer health benefits for diabetes patients, helping lower the risk of heart disease. Keep in mind that this benefit is primarily linked to red wines because of their high content of antioxidants like resveratrol. Some research also indicates that drinking red wine in moderation may protect against other diabetes complications such as diabetic retinopathy, which can affect your vision.
The ‘Bad’ Alcohols For Diabetes
Distilled Alcohols
This includes a wide range of hard liquors, such as rum, whiskey, vodka, and gin. Although these alcohols are not the worst choice since they contain almost no carbs, they can cause hypoglycemia. This risk is higher when you drink on an empty stomach. Carb content of your drink can also be affected by your choice of mixer, so avoid drinking with sugary colas and other sugar-rich beverages.
The ‘Ugly’ Alcohols For Diabetes
Most cocktails are off-limits for anyone with diabetes as they tend to be extremely high in added sugar. This is because almost all cocktails include sweeteners, with a few exceptions, or they are high in carbs. Cocktails such as margaritas and daiquiris contain as much as 45 grams of carbs in a single serving.
In addition to cocktails, diabetes patients should also steer clear of cream liqueurs as these drinks are usually high in sugar and can also contain more carbs than you should be having. Similarly, dessert wines, which are consumed after meals are best avoided because of their high carb content.
While it’s important to base your decision on the recommendations above, sugar and carb content isn’t the only concern. You should also make sure to eat before drinking, test your blood sugar levels and skip the alcohol if your blood sugar is already low. Also, make it a point to frequently check your blood sugar levels while you’re drinking and after drinking too. Most importantly, always drink in moderation as heavy drinking poses a high risk of complications.
Disclaimer: The above-mentioned information is for general information and not meant to substitute for any medical advice. Please consult a healthcare practitioner before making any changes in your diet.
