Alcohol and Diabetes

Alcohol is everywhere whether its party, a family get together or an outing. It is suggested that men should have two pegs in a day and women should have only one.

Metabolism

As soon as the alcohol enters the body, the liver starts its work of breaking down the alcohol but this process is very slow and the rate of drinking is very high. So this alcohol starts affecting other cells out of which brain cells are more sensitive. That is the reason why people talk fools when they have drunk more of alcohol.

Drinking alcohol is worse if you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetic eye disease or any other disease related to diabetes. People suffering from nerve damage due to diabetes can also have more of numbness, tingling and burning sensation after drinking.

Diabetics

Persons with diabetes should be precautious while drinking alcohol as the alcohol directly enters the blood stream and lowers the blood glucose level. This alcohol can be traced from the blood of the drunken men or women within 5 minutes of the drink. After an hour the body is at high levels of the alcohol in the blood.

Persons who take alcohol and take diabetes pills or insulin shots are at risk of having low sugar levels. This is because when there is drop in the blood sugar levels, the liver starts its work by breaking down the carbohydrates in the blood to produce sugar. But alcohol stops the ability of the liver to produce glucose. This is why the liver treats alcohol as a toxic thing and would not produce alcohol until the body gets rid of alcohol which in turn causes low sugar levels.

It is suggested that a diabetic person should not drink alcohol empty stomach. Rather have it with snacks or dinner. Drinks that suit the diabetic are red wine, light white wine, spirits and light beer. Drinks that should be totally avoided are mock tails, wine coolers, sweet wines or sherries and liqueurs. Totally avoid having neat alcohol (i.e. undiluted).

Diabetic persons should remain very simple in eating to lead a healthier life.