Diabetes and Alcohol Consumption - Can I Still Drink Alcohol Doc?


by Moses Wright - Date: 2007-01-26 - Word Count: 499 Share This!

Alcohol consumption can affect the human body in many biological ways. For someone with diabetes, there are many factors to consider before consuming alcohol in order to assure that the alcohol does not cause any unnecessary health risks.

When it comes to drinking alcohol and health issues, the first and most important thing to do is to discuss the possible effects drinking can means to you with your personal doctor. Only your doctor knows exactly what your medical history and current situation are. And only your doctor will be able to give you personalized medical advice and suggestion about what you should and should not do for your health.

There are many factors that affect the decision for you as a diabetic to drink or not drink alcoholic beverages. Consuming alcohol can worsen the conditions that you may already have, such as eye problems or nerve damage. If you have already experienced diabetes- related complications, your doctor may suggest that you avoid alcohol altogether so that you do not cause greater damage in these areas. The occasional and recreational, aka "social drinking" is simply not worth the risk posed to your health.

The second consideration for people with diabetes who would like to drink alcohol is whether or not the alcohol will cause an interaction with your medications. Many medications cannot be safely taken with alcohol, in fact your doctor or pharmacist will tends to warn you about medication and alcohol and the possible interaction if there is any. Most medications will also come with detailed information on the preferred methods for taking the medication, however ask your doctor or pharmacist should you have any questions. If you require any such medications, alcohol may be out of the question for you.

If you do not currently suffer from any diabetes related complications and are not taking any medications that could react with the alcohol, your doctor may allow you to have an occasional drink. Your blood sugar levels will drop after drinking alcohol. For this reason, you should try to plan your drinking around times when you will be eating a meal or a snack. In this way you can counteract the blood sugar-lowering effects of alcohol and not have to deal with hypoglycemia.

Having said that, diabetic or non diabetic individuals should always drink alcoholic beverages in moderation. Drinking alcohol in moderation reduces some of the risks of alcohol associated with higher levels of consumption, such as liver diseases, malnutrition, and/ or accidents. For women, moderate drinking is considered to be less than one alcoholic drink per day. For men, moderate drinking is up to two alcoholic beverages per day.

If your medical condition allows you to enjoy alcoholic beverages, then you may choose to do so, but drink in moderation and drink responsibly!

Moses Wright is the founder of Diabetic Diet. More helpful information on Diabetes FAQs and Diabetic Diet Plan can be found on his website. Webmasters are welcome to reprint this article if the content and live links are keep intact.

Related Tags: diabetic diet, diabetes medication, diabetic living, diabetes food, diabetes lifestyle, diabetes plan, diabetes medicine

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