Diabetes

By Shawn McKee
eDiets Staff Writer

Living with diabetes is like algebra homework: It takes constant calculations, attention to detail and an unwavering discipline to do it right. But when you factor in a variable such as diabetes and alcohol, the equation gets complicated -- and you may need to call in a tutor.

It's time to move out of the back row and to the front of the class with the help of nutritionist Susan Burke, who's going to explain the proper way to drink with diabetes. It may seem complicated, but once you have all the components you can solve this tricky diabetes and alcohol equation.

Just like ninth-grade algebra, diabetes is all about testing. As Burke says, "This is a disease people live with their entire lives, and the most important aspect is glucose control. The only way to know if your glucose levels are normal is to test, test and test some more!"

Once glucose levels are stabilized, moderate drinking is acceptable for some but not for others, Burke says. Regardless of whether you're stabilizing your blood sugar through diet and exercise or insulin, always discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor before taking a drop.

Sure, everything is better in moderation, but what's moderate drinking with diabetes?

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) defines moderate drinking as no more than one drink per day for women and as many as two for men. One alcoholic drink is equivalent to a 12-ounce beer, 5-ounce glass of wine or 1 1/2-ounce distilled spirits (e.g. vodka, whiskey and gin).

Beyond moderate drinking, the ADA offers these tips to safely drink with diabetes:

• If you choose to drink alcohol, limit the amount and have it with food. Talk with your health care team about whether alcohol is safe for you.
• If you drink alcohol at least several times a week, make sure your doctor knows this before he/she prescribes a diabetes pill.
• Drink only when and if blood glucose is under control. Do not omit food from your regular meal plan.
• Test blood glucose to help you decide if you should drink.
• Always have identification that notes you have diabetes.
• Sip a drink slowly to make it last.
• Have a no-calorie beverage by your side to quench your thirst.
• Use calorie-free drink mixers -- diet soda, club soda, diet tonic water or water.
• Drink alcohol with a snack or meal. Some good snack ideas are pretzels, popcorn, crackers, fat-free or baked chips, raw vegetables and a low-fat yogurt dip.
• Find a registered dietitian to help you fit alcohol into your food plan.
• Do not drive or plan to drive for several hours after you drink alcohol.

"The reason alcohol is so dangerous for people with diabetes," Burke says, "is that it can dramatically lower blood sugar." Insulin, exercise and alcohol all lower glucose levels and, if combined, can lead to hypoglycemia. Drinking and dancing can be hazardous to your health if you have diabetes."

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) has similar characteristics to being drunk, like slurred speech, sleepiness, hunger, disorientation and slowed reactions. For this reason, it is sometimes hard to recognize it -- so always wear your diabetic bracelet. Hypoglycemia left untreated can lead to brain damage.

Drinking not only will have an immediate effect on your health, but it can also lead to weight gain and, in turn, more diabetic complications from the extra pounds. It's always better to stick to light beers and dry wines, Burke says.

"Alcohol by itself has 7 calories per gram, almost double carbohydrate and protein calories; plus it goes straight to your liver for processing. If you're drinking alcohol with sugary mixers and juices, you're adding calories to your diet," Susan says. "Alcohol also impairs judgment, so you may tend to eat more than is good for you."

It's tougher than trigonometry, but if you're careful and diligent, you can safely drink in moderation with diabetes. School's out -- time for recess.

Labels: alcohol, blood sugar, diabetes, drinking, insulin