Quinn on Nutrition: Alcohol does not always mix with diabetes
Monterey Herald
By Barbara Quinn, Monterey Herald
July 18, 2017
We were 10,000 feet above sea level at the recent Keystone, Colorado diabetes conference sponsored by the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes — a true Rocky Mountain high. And to avoid the dreaded effects of altitude sickness, we were warned to stay away from caffeine, marijuana (it’s legal in this state, you know) and alcohol.
Later in the sessions, we learned that alcohol is not always good for people with diabetes either. Especially in people with type 1 diabetes who rely on multiple daily injections of insulin, alcohol can often lead to a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels — a life threatening condition called hypoglycemia.
Here are the current recommendations around the use of alcohol for people with diabetes:
Check with your doctor first >> Certain medications for diabetes such as insulin and other medicines that increase the amount of insulin in the body just don’t mix well with diabetes. Unless closely monitored, the combination of these medicines with alcohol can bring blood glucose levels dangerously low. Ask your doctor what he or she recommends for your particular condition.
Understand moderation >> According to the latest guidelines from the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes can usually consume moderate amounts of alcohol with no detrimental effects. Moderate is defined as no more than one alcoholic drink a day for women and no more than two a day for men. One “drink” is measured as one of the following: 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits like whiskey or vodka, 5 ounces of wine, or 12 ounces of beer.
Always always eat when you drink alcohol >> The most dangerous effect of alcohol in someone with diabetes is an abnormal lowering of blood sugar levels over a period of up to 24 hours. Never, never, never drink on an empty stomach. And make sure your meal or snack includes a source of carbohydrate such as bread, crackers, fruit or grains.
Pay attention to how alcohol affects you >> People do not respond the same to alcohol. Even different types of alcohol can affect you differently. Check and monitor your blood sugars frequently if you imbibe. It’s the only way to understand your individual response.
Know that alcohol is loaded with empty calories >> Ounce for ounce, alcohol contains almost twice the calories of carbohydrates…with no redeeming nutritional value. And any extra pounds gained from too much alcohol can translate to more complications for people with diabetes.
Watch those mixers >> Many are loaded with sugar that can spike blood sugars. One attendee at this conference explained that his blood sugars jumped extremely high after he drank a margarita. Even tonic “water” contains almost as much added sugar as a soda.
When in doubt, don’t. Especially at 10,000 feet altitude.
Barbara Quinn is a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes educator affiliated with the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. She is the author of “Quinn-Essential Nutrition: The Uncomplicated Science of Eating” (Westbow 2015). Email her at barbara@quinnessentialnutrition.com.