If you suffer from type 2 diabetes then you are probably wondering whether or not you can enjoy alcoholic drinks. The first thing you must realize is that alcohol can either lower or raise your blood sugar levels. However, this all depends on how much you drink as well as what foods (if any) you have eaten.
Below is a short list of guidelines that type 2 diabetics can use when it comes to drinking alcohol:
1. Before considering drinking any alcoholic beverage, it is imperative that you consult with your diabetes health care specialist. They can take stock of your current condition and your treatments in order to assess whether it is safe for you to drink alcohol or not.
2. A good rule of thumb when drinking alcohol is to ensure that your blood sugar levels are in your normal target range. Never drink when your blood sugar is too high or too low.
3. Just like the advice given to people that do not have diabetes, it is recommended that you limit your consumption of alcohol to two drinks each day if you're male. If you're a woman, than the recommended amount is one drink each day. The amount of “one drink” will vary of depending upon the strength of the alcohol chosen. For example, it takes a much smaller amount of hard liquor to measure one drink than a glass of wine or a glass of beer would.
4. Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach. In fact, it is best to combine your drink with a carbohydrate snack.
5. When a diabetic drinks, the alcohol makes it more difficult to know how low your blood sugar is. If you're going to drink than try to have a friend or family member who is close to you that knows about your diabetes and can help treat low blood sugar if needed.
6. It is best to stay clear from alcoholic drinks that are high in sugar content. Such drinks would include hard liquor mixed with high fructose mixes, wine coolers, and sweet wines.
7. An obvious tip, one that is unfortunately ignored, is to never drink if you are pregnant. This advice should go for every woman and not diabetics.
8. If you are experiencing other medical problems as a result of your diabetes then it is best to skip alcohol altogether. Even if your complications are not the result of your diabetes, alcohol should be still be ignored because it can make the problems worse.
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