Alcohol

agutts6 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 04:36 PM

I am 63 years old and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 2 years ago.

Since that time, I've been very successful with making lifestyle changes; I powerwalk nightly, I've made my diet much healthier, I've curbed my drinking, and I've lost a good deal of weight.

As a result, my numbers are fantastic.

However, I've received mixed reports from docs on the dangers of alcohol, and I was hoping someone else might have the same experiences and be able to clarify for me.

I used to enjoy 3-4 drinks nightly after work (I'd have 1-2 in the hour after getting home, and perhaps 1-2 several hours later).

Obviously, alcohol use is discouraged... but my docs have basically told me not to completely throw out the things I enjoy in my life, and that I can enjoy a beer or a whiskey and water daily without doing myself too much harm.

I have noticed, however, that when I cheat on this and have more than just one drink (lets say 3-4 over 3 hours), my numbers barely spike at all and stay within completely safe ranges. I think it's because of how well I do with other facets of my lifestyle.

My question is this.... is it basically okay to do anything as long as you stay within your numbers? As in, if I have 4 drinks and my numbers are still quite safe, have I done myself any harm? Or am I exposing myself to more danger than I know?

Grunch · #2 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 05:23 PM

In terms of diabetes what matters is your numbers. Of course too much alcohol can cause damage to the brain or liver but that has nothing to do with diabetes.

When you drink your numbers stay low because alcohol has that effect. The carbs in your drink make your blood sugar rise but the alcohol keeps the liver busy and causes a drop in blood sugar.

So unless the alcohol is harming you for other reasons you can keep drinking.

jkane13 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-29-2009, 09:47 AM

The confusion is due to generalization. If your liver and kidneys are still in good shape, a reasonable drinking amount is OK. Diabetes is somehow related to kidney problems, so people tend to say that alcohol will be bad for you as a double whammy. It's a gamble, and you have to decide if you the drink is worth the undefined potential damage.

Personally, I might lower it to 1-2 drinks max per day, but not cut it out totally. I drink about 3-4 a week myself. Not every day though.

DeusXM · #4 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 12:44 AM

Depending on what you're drinking, 3-4 drinks a night is actually quite a lot. In fact, drinking every day isn't a good idea, diabetes or not. I suspect though that's not really the question you asked, so I second what Grunch said.

dbaratta · #5 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agutts6

.

Obviously, alcohol use is discouraged... but my docs have basically told me not to completely throw out the things I enjoy in my life, and that I can enjoy a beer or a whiskey and water daily without doing myself too much harm.

Okay, you sound like you have great control so why your doc is worried probably has more to do with just general health than it does your diabetes. Drinking every day is probably not a good idea for anyone, healthy or not. (just my opinion).

For me, I am on insulin and drinking (straight liquor) actually lowers my BG too much. Kind of nice to know I can drink in moderation if I want too and not worry about high numbers.

Fruity drinks is another story, that is a big no no for me, but I don't have the control you do so my situation is different than yours.

My nutritionist told me to NOT let my diabetes run my life. She said that because I gave up EVERYTHING I liked to maintain control, she said that was silly, she told me I am to control the disease not to let the disease control me.

Well, guess what, my D does control me and I have learned to live with it. Your story is different......

MJB · #6 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 07:56 PM

2 drinks a day.

Works for me!

MamaGlucose · #7 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 07:58 AM

In general, current research indicates that it's healthy to have 1 glass of alcohol per day -- that's the equivalent of one "shot," adjusted for whatever you're drinking, like beer or wine.

That helps your heart, and lowers blood pressure. Any more than that actually increases your risk for heart disease.

Related to diabetes though, the important part is to stay within your numbers, yeah.

ShottleBop · #8 (**permalink**) 11-06-2009, 08:25 AM

I've seen one drink per day for a woman, and two for a man. If you're using insulin or a med that stimulates your pancreas to produce more insulin, you do have to watch for possible hypos. I've also read, on more than medical site, that overdoing the alcohol (no amount specified as "overdoing" it) can result in increased triglycerides--when your liver is preoccupied with processing alcohol, the carbs in your meal can more easily be processed into fat.