Whether diabetes patients can drink alcohol and how to drink alcohol is a question that concerns many people with diabetes. Can people who are accustomed to drinking continue to drink alcohol after developing diabetes?
Conditions under which diabetes patients cannot drink alcohol
Uncontrolled blood sugar; frequent episodes of hypoglycemia; acute complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis or ketosis; severe chronic complications; fatty liver or liver dysfunction; abnormal blood lipids; hyperuricemia; and patients with type 1 diabetes should not drink alcohol.
Situations where moderate alcohol consumption is allowed
Well-controlled blood sugar; not obese; normal liver function; no chronic complications of diabetes; absence of other chronic diseases unrelated to diabetes; not receiving medication for lowering blood sugar; and non-addictive drinkers can have moderate alcohol consumption.
However, very few diabetes patients can fully meet these conditions. For diabetes patients who fall between the above two situations, they should listen to the advice and guidance of professional doctors and nutritionists to evaluate whether they can drink alcohol.
Issues to be aware of for those who can drink alcohol
Moderate alcohol consumption
Diabetes patients should strictly control their daily alcohol consumption within two standard drinks (670 kilojoules), which is approximately equivalent to 400 milliliters of beer, 200 milliliters of wine, or 80 milliliters of spirits (at 35% alcohol content). There should be fixed alcohol-free days each week, such as at least 2-3 days of abstinence per week, to protect liver function.
Choice of alcoholic beverages
Some people believe that diabetes patients can only drink non-sweet alcoholic beverages such as spirits. In fact, diabetes patients can moderately consume alcoholic beverages with low alcohol content, as high alcohol content is more harmful than beneficial for patients. In addition, dry red and white wines with low sugar content and rich nutrients are the best choice for diabetes patients, while other alcoholic beverages with lower alcohol content, such as beer, can be consumed in moderation.
Follow the principle of non-exchange of calories
The calories contained in alcohol should not be included in the total daily calories prescribed for diabetes patients. In other words, regardless of whether alcohol is consumed, patients should consume the prescribed daily calories in order to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Adhere to dietary guidelines
Diabetes patients should not drink alcohol on an empty stomach to prevent hypoglycemia. At the same time, they should also pay attention to controlling their diet to avoid affecting diabetes dietary treatment.
Be cautious with the use of diabetes medications
Alcohol can inhibit hepatic gluconeogenesis, leading to a lack of liver glycogen, and can also stimulate insulin release, causing hypoglycemia. Patients who are using diabetes medications, especially insulin and sulfonylureas, should be particularly careful.
Tips
Diabetes patients must be cautious when drinking alcohol and should not engage in excessive drinking. If diabetes is caused or worsened by alcohol consumption and is poorly controlled, alcohol should be immediately discontinued, and treatment adjustments should be made promptly.
