Drinking alcoholic beverages has become a popular trend all over the world. But for people with Diabetes Mellitus, it can be a challenging task to indulge in a drink since it can impact their blood sugar levels.

Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic condition that affects the production of insulin in the body, which is responsible for regulating sugar levels in the blood. However, diabetics can still enjoy a drink or two, but it’s crucial to understand the safety measures involved to minimize the risks of complications.

What is diabetes mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that affects how the body produces insulin and uses glucose or sugar from food.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is when the body does not produce insulin, while type 2 diabetes mellitus is when the body does not use insulin correctly. High blood sugar levels can cause severe health problems, including nerve damage, blindness, kidney disease and heart problems.

How alcohol affects diabetes mellitus

Alcohol can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous for diabetics. Some drinks contain high levels of sugar and carbohydrates that can raise blood sugar levels.

However, alcohol can also lead to hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar levels, which can be life-threatening for diabetics.

Alcohol can also interact with medications taken by diabetics and increase the risk of complications. For example, consuming alcohol while taking medicines like Metformin can increase the risk of lactic acidosis—a rare but severe side effect.

Safe drinking guidelines for diabetics

While drinking poses risks to diabetics, they can still enjoy a drink or two by adhering to safe drinking protocols.

1. Monitor blood sugar levels

Drinking can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Hence, create a blood sugar monitoring schedule by checking levels before and after drinking and space your drinks with non-alcoholic beverages to keep blood sugar levels in check.

2. Choose low-carbohydrate drinks

Choose drinks that have low carbohydrate levels. Red wine, for example, is a good choice because it contains antioxidants that prevent heart disease. Avoid cocktails, sweet wines, and beer since they have high sugar levels.

3. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach

Drinking on an empty stomach can lead to hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar levels. Hence, take a meal while drinking to maintain glucose levels and prevent complications associated with low blood sugar levels.

4. Be careful with mixed drinks

Mixed drinks often contain high sugar and carbohydrate levels. If you are going for mixed drinks, go for sugar-free mixers and small quantities to avoid complications.

5. Never skip insulin doses

Skipping insulin doses may lead to severe health complications, especially when drinking alcohol. Insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels in the body, and diabetics should never skip doses, especially when drinking.

6. Avoid binge drinking

Binge drinking is harmful to anyone’s health, and diabetics are no exception. Binge drinking can lead to severe health complications, including seizures, coma, and potential death.

7. Inform friends and family about diabetes

It’s crucial to let friends and family know about your diabetic condition, especially when going out for drinks. That way, if there is an emergency, they can help you out, and it will be easier to handle any situation that arises.

Conclusion

Drinking safely with Diabetes Mellitus requires that you keep your blood sugar levels in mind while indulging in a drink. It is safe to consume alcohol in moderate quantities while following safe drinking guidelines.

However, diabetics should avoid binge drinking, skip insulin doses, and monitor blood sugar levels to ensure their safety.