Sweet Trouble Twin

The main objective of a diabetic patient is to control your blood sugar. The food and drink we consume will have an effect on that control. Some foods and beverages have even greater effect. Alcohol is one of them, and has a direct influence on the management of diabetes.

Alcohol should be used wisely. Alcohol has a dehydrating effect on the body, so keep in mind. Alcohol is very high in calories, which can lead to an increase in body weight and fat levels blood. People with poorly controlled diabetes should not drink alcohol completely.

It is recommended that people with diabetes to avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Guidelines for diabetics and alcohol are the following: one or two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. Those over 65 also are only allowed one drink per day.

The alcohol moves through the bloodstream quite easily without ever being metabolized in the stomach. Without giving the liver the amount of time appropriate to break the alcohol, will move to other organs in the body and eventually accumulate in the bloodstream. His body can only break one ounce of alcohol per hour.

Many times people will drink more drinks at a party, eating food. Diabetic patients may develop hypoglycemia (blood sugar) in such situations. Alcohol tends to lower blood sugar even more.

Generally, when diabetics are experiencing low blood sugar, the liver converts stored carbohydrates in the body into glucose. This glucose in the bloodstream slows the reaction of the "low glucose" that the body has.

So what happens when you drink alcohol? When a diabetic experiences low glucose levels while alcohol consumption, the problem is that the liver in response to alcohol that has accumulated in the blood as a toxin, it will red alert to stop glucose production in order to cleanse the body of alcohol. Therefore, take on an empty stomach is not recommended.

Drink just one drink can alter the sense enough to a critical error in the management of diabetes. Diabetics should ensure that someone is with them that know what to watch for low blood sugar reaction occurs. Episodes of hypoglycemia can easily be confused with being drunk. Remember that hypoglycaemia may occur several hours after drinking.

A bracelet, necklace or ID card establishing medical conditions should be worn at all times, consumption to reasonable levels. Alternate an alcoholic beverage with a low calorie mixer. Do not drink on an empty stomach – enjoy a meal before or with your drink. You may need to eat more starchy meal before the party. Adjust your insulin before you drink.

Red, dry or semi dry white wines are acceptable in moderation, such as dry sherry wine, dry light beers, such as beer and light beer that is fermented with "under the residual sugar and are perfect for moderate drinking. Hard liquor such as whiskey, gin or vodka can be mixed with sugar or diet mixers.

Sweet wines, ports and sherries and cocktails in general, be avoided by diabetics.

About the Author:

This content is provided by Dr Pieter de Wet a general practitioner and in practice for 20 years. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. Get your diabetes, diabetes symptoms and diabetes treatment advice at

http://www.thediabetesdoc.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Diabetes And Alcohol – The Ugly Twins