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Alcohol and Diabetes – Causes, Effects, Symptoms, and Tips

by | Health | 1 comment

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is essential in controlling glucose usage. It regulates the metabolism of fat and carbs in the body.

How Can Alcohol Cause Diabetes?

Heavy drinking can cause diabetes in one of three ways…

  • Reduced sensitivity to insulin, possibly causing type 2 diabetes
  • Side effect of Pancreatitis (a common result of heavy drinking)
  • Weight Problems due to the high calories in some alcoholic drinks (1 pint of beer can equal to those in a burger)

 

Alcohol Effects on Diabetes Include:
Small amounts of alcohol cause a rise in blood sugar levels
The carbohydrates in sweet wine and beer can also cause a rise in blood sugar levels…
High levels of alcohol can actually cause you blood sugar levels to drop… sometimes to dangerous levels…
You blood sugar levels can also be affected because you’re eating too much… alcohol can stimulate your appetite… I used to eat a lot of junk food when I was drinking…
You medication may interact badly with alcohol

Diabetes and Alcohol Tips

According to the ADA (American Diabetes Association), you should only drink moderately and try to only drink while eating.
Some other tips include:

  • Drink sensibly
  • 1 drink for women
  • 2 drinks for men
  • Let your doctor know about your drink habits
  • Test your glucose levels before you drink
  • Only drink when you have control over your glucose levels
  • Drink water (or some other calorie free beverage) to quench your thirst
  • Use no calorie mixers

Sources

http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/check-the-facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/effects-on-the-body/diabetes
http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh22-3/211.pdf

Thanks for visiting the site.
Until next time…
Onwards and Upwards!
Kev

Alcohol & Diabetes

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