Alcohol

EeyoreButterfly · #1 (**permalink**) 11-12-2008, 10:09 PM

Is it okay for people with diabetes to drink alcohol? I am currently diagnosed prediabetic but have had frequent readings in the 200's post meal. I am currently controlling with diet and exercise- no medication.

I'm not a drinker and never plan to be drunk. That being said, I take my teacher licensing exam on Saturday, and that night all the grad students are going out on a bar crawl. I am excited because I've never been in a bar before so it should be an interesting experience. I only plan to have a couple of drinks because I do not want to get drunk. Would that be okay? Or is even one drink too much if you have diabetes?

genie86333 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-12-2008, 10:35 PM

We're not doctors, so we can't say what would be best for you, but in my experience, a drink or two doesn't hurt. Some people even swear by a glass of red wine before bed helping keep away the dawn phenomenon aliens.

(typed as I drink the last of my alien-combating-red-wine for the night.)

Things to consider:

Alcoholic drinks can affect your BS levels, both up & down. So IF you do have a drink or two, please monitor carefully (and for several hours after drinking as sometimes it can cause a low during the night later, even if it initally spikes your levels.) Probably wouldn't be a bad idea to have a snack before bed to help combat lows. And if you have a trusted friend around, let them in on the situation just in case.

You said you're not on medications, so at least there isn't any interaction possibilites there. (many medications, including Metformin & Glipizide both say don't drink with them.)

Also, don't forget, you don't *have* to drink alcohol just cause you're going to a bar. First time I was ever in a bar I was pregnant (and hadn't been planning to go to a bar so I didn't have my ID on me) but had a great time playing pool with friends, even if the bartender did keep watching me like a hawk to make sure I wasn't sneaking some of my friends drinks.

EeyoreButterfly · #3 (**permalink**) 11-12-2008, 10:44 PM

I know I don't have to, but I can't remember the last time I had a drink. I sort of want to have a drink or two. The girls keep saying they're going to get me drunk! They are definitely not going to succeed no matter what I decide.

howdysf · #4 (**permalink**) 11-12-2008, 10:54 PM

You gotta live your life.

Caravaggio · #5 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008, 12:50 AM

My doctor says it's not a problem to drink as long as I eat as well, am wary of my BG and do not get smashed every time. I love wine and can't have dinner (or Sunday brunch) without a glass or 2. I take meds so I am careful about low BG. That said, I've never gotten a low since I don't drink except with dinner.

When you do drink, whether or not you are taking meds, eat something before and while you are drinking. Drinking on an empty stomach gets you drunk more quickly (especially if you are not used to it) and lowers your BG.

Remember - drink in moderation.

Oh, and good luck!

jps · #6 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008, 12:58 AM

I'll occasionally go out with the guys and indulge in a low carb beer or two, or three.... or....

That wasn't much of an adjustment for me. I drink Miller Lite, which has something like 3.2 g of carb per bottle. Only Michelob Ultra is lower at 2.8 g of carb per bottle.

I wouldn't dare to try something like Guiness or Cider, or mixed alcohols with regular soda, or a tropical mixer type of drink.

The low carb beer had almost no effect. I had seven the other night and my BG was increased 5% more than I expected every hour that I tested (around 98, I usually run around 92 during those hours).

I guess they say you gotta worry more about the hypos with alcohol though. I haven't come close to that on the few occasions that I went out and had a few.

I say go for it. You've worked hard and you should treat yourself once in awhile.

ant hill · #7 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008, 02:01 AM

I would have a drink and you say that you don't have meds so enjoy a drink. I would and I can have a good drop too.
Like a good drink with good food too so eat & drink goes well with each other.

Enjoy EeyoreButterfly.

davef · #8 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008, 06:32 AM

Eeyore,

There have been a number of threads about drinking, so you may want to do a search for Alcohol. As has been said, we aren't Doctors and can only speak from our own experiences.

That said, I'm on Metformin and yes I do have a drink. In fact I'll have some wine most weekends, either with a meal or if I'm out with friends.

A few things for you to keep in mind:

1. As you have said that you don't normally drink, you may well find that it will take very little for you to get tipsy or even drunk.

2. Make sure to eat before drinking, this is true for everyone and not just diabetics. Having nibbles through the night is a good idea.

3. Some people find that drinking will lower their BG, so be sure to test often.

4. Pace yourself, don't try keep up with people who normally drink, you won't stand a chance and quickly will find you can't stand

. Try alternating drinks with water, it's better to drink water that diet soda, as water will hydrate you and soda won't.

5. Test before bed, eat something if necessary and drink a pint of water.

Relax, enjoy yourself and be sensible. If you are going with friends, it would be a good idea if at least one (or two) were aware that you have diabetes (don't confuse them by saying pre-diabetes). Then they can support you in the face of peer pressure if you decide you don't want any more drink and say, "I can't drink anymore I have diabetes"

Have a good night out!

w5wjp · #9 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008, 06:58 AM

Ummmmm.......Bailey's slushies......

xMenace · #10 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008, 07:13 AM

No meds ... no problemo! Fill your boots.

TommyC1 · #11 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008, 07:21 AM

I like beer and lately a bit of whiskey.
I don't like being drunk so that limits how much I'll have.
With beer I have to count the carbs an adjust my insulin. I'm fairly sure mixed drinks would be the same for me at least.
I drink my whiskey with water or diet cola. That does not seem to affect my BS noticably.

~Tommy

art · #12 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008, 07:54 AM

Be very careful of mixed drinks.
Most mixers contain that evil substance , Sugar!!

First time in a bar? My suggestion is stick to light beers.
Mich Ultra is really light and not too bad to drink.

Wine is good, Red or white. Mix it with club soda and it will last longer.

Can a diabetic drink, You sure can.
Can you have a Whiskey Sour?? No way.

Your first time in a bar???
Ohh Lord I wish I could be there.

Art

Diabetican · #13 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008, 08:09 AM

Ive been drinking, and smoking marijuana since i was 15 (

i kno...). I have stopped both, but i do enjoy the occasional beer every now and then.

If you drink a beer, check the carbs on the can/ bottle. If you decide to drink harder alcohols PLEASE BE EXTRA CAREFUL.

Beer has never given me any trouble, the harder stuff has. Check often, you dont want any problems.

And most importantly, be smart about it! Enjoy your night!

barko · #14 (**permalink**) 11-16-2008, 05:10 PM

There's little to no carbs in the straight stuff like gin, etc. - its the mixers that will get you - a basic tonic for instance, will add 19 carbs per 1 cup. And... alcohol will generally put your liver in a bit of a tiz too - it will process it differently, so you can go low quicker ;-)

But with that said....a GT on the back porch with the grill going and a nice sunset - what else compares?? Just need to plan for it all.

Life is more than sugar-free jello and Glucerna -lol

EeyoreButterfly · #15 (**permalink**) 11-16-2008, 08:41 PM

It turned out fine. I went high before starting, but kept testing and for the most part was lower than normal (but not low). When we were done I had the best night of sleep I've had in a long time, lol. I was even lower than normal when I woke up. It's nice to know that for now at least I can enjoy a night out every now and then.