The diabetic should not drink alcoholic beverages because alcohol can unbalance the ideal blood sugar levels, changing the effects of insulin and oral antidiabetics, which can cause hyper or hypoglycemia.
When the diabetic ingests alcoholic beverages in excess, such as beer, for example, the liver is overloaded and the glycemic regulation mechanism is impaired. However, as long as the diabetic is on an adequate diet and with controlled sugar levels, he does not need to completely exclude alcoholic beverages from his lifestyle.
Maximum amount that the diabetic can ingest
According to the American Diabetes Association, the maximum amount of alcohol that the compensated diabetic can drink per day, without harming health, is one of the following options:
- 680 ml of beer with 5% alcohol (2 beer cans); 300 ml of wine with 12% alcohol (1 and a half glasses of wine); 90 ml of distilled drinks, such as whiskey or vodka with 40% alcohol (1 serving).
These amounts are calculated for the male diabetic with controlled blood glucose levels, and in the case of women, half of the amounts mentioned should be considered.
How to decrease the effect of alcohol on diabetes
To reduce the effect of alcohol on diabetic people and avoid hypoglycemia, one should avoid drinking on an empty stomach, even with controlled diabetes, and drinking in the recommended amounts. Therefore, it is important that, when the diabetic drinks alcohol, also eat foods with carbohydrates, such as toast with cheese and tomatoes, lupines or peanuts, for example, to slow the absorption of alcohol.
Anyway, before and after drinking, it is important to check blood glucose and correct values, if necessary, according to the endocrinologist's indication.
Also know what foods to avoid in diabetes.
