If you want to lower the possibility of diabetes, try drinking alcohol a few times a week. Yes, drinking alcohol in a moderate amount can lessen the chance of being diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. In this blog, we aimed to investigate the joint association between alcohol and diabetes. Also, learn about alcohol benefits in diabetes.
The link between alcohol and diabetes
Can diabetics drink alcohol? Have you heard about alcohol for a diabetic? Well, a study suggests that consuming alcohol three to four times a week reduces the chance of developing diabetes compared to people who rarely drink or do not drink alcohol. A glass of wine can help lower your chances of developing this metabolic disorder. But you can only drink if your blood sugar levels are under control and you choose the right lifestyle habits to be safe. Almost all of us know about the harmful effects of alcohol on diabetes patients. Drinking alcohol has been linked to a wide range of medical conditions, including liver disease, gastrointestinal disorders, pancreatitis, cardiovascular disorders, obesity, nutrient deficiencies, and the list goes on and on.
Despite the harmful association with various health disorders, a recent study revealed that drinking alcohol a few days a week exerts a protective effect against the development of diabetes.
Benefits of drinking for diabetes
As mentioned above, researchers have shown some benefits of alcohol in diabetes, such that moderate drinking spread out over several days during the week is related to the lowest risk for diabetes. But what’s moderate drinking? Well, it’s a single glass of drink for women and up to two per day for men. However, the drink that should be considered as one is a lot smaller than you think. One small drink is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 11/2 ounces of liquor. The type of alcohol consumed in the research trial also played a remarkable role in showing the effect on people. This is because wine contains several other components, such as polyphenols, which have been shown to help regulate blood pressure and blood glucose.
Furthermore, from ancient times, wine has been considered the healthier alcohol. Wine is enriched with antioxidants and is useful in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease only when consumed in moderate amounts. Dry wine is a good choice as it has less alcohol and fewer calories. You can try diet soft drinks or water as your mixers if you like mixed drinks. Do not drink anything high in sugar, including sugary mixed drinks and sweet wines.
The study also noted the difference between men and women. The new research revealed that men who drink about 14 drinks a week have a 43% reduced risk of diabetes as compared to men who do not consume alcohol at all. For women participants, the amount of alcohol required was less than the men; approximately nine drinks per week are useful in reducing the risk of developing diabetes by 58%. Wine has been shown to have a beneficial effect, while beer, another form of alcohol, is not capable of reducing the risk; it only has a little effect on diabetes risk in women.
Mixing alcohol with diabetes
If you have diabetes, keeping a close watch on how much and what you drink can help you enjoy a small glass of wine more safely. By doing it safely, you can avoid the following pitfalls associated with alcohol consumption.
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- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- High blood pressure
- Weight gain
When to avoid alcohol consumption
Getting yourself one drink at a party is fine for most people. But for some people, it is best to avoid alcohol completely. This especially applies when you have long-term complications associated with diabetes mellitus. Exercise caution if you have any of these conditions, as alcohol consumption can make these conditions worse. These conditions include:
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- Diabetic retinopathy (damage to your eyes)
- High triglycerides
- Uncontrolled blood pressure
- Damage to your kidneys
- Burning sensation or tingling in your hands and feet in case you have nerve damage.
Useful tips if you drink alcohol
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- Limit yourself to drinking a single glass daily if you are a woman and two drinks daily if you are a man. Following this rule will keep your blood sugar level under control. But if you have not gained control over your blood sugar levels, then don’t drink.
- Get low-calorie drinks.
- Tell your healthcare provider if you drink regularly and your habits have changed during type 2 diabetes treatment.
- Eat a meal or snack before you drink. This helps reduce the risk of low blood sugar.
- The calories you will get from an alcoholic beverage can replace a serving of fat. But this doesn’t mean you will substitute a drink for a meal.
Take diabetes seriously
This is true; diabetes is a serious health issue, but you can learn to manage it. People with diabetes need to make healthy food choices, maintain a healthy weight, exercise daily, participate in chorus activities, and take their diabetes medication regularly, even when they feel good. It’s not easy to do, but it’s worth it. Furthermore, drinking is individualized, and it is important to note that there is no universal rule for how to do it safely, especially when you are living with diabetes. Discuss your drinking habits with your healthcare provider so that he can provide you with some useful tips and advice on how to drink in a way that may work for you.
Remember that a healthy lifestyle and weight are necessary for a successful diabetes treatment. Your diabetes care may include a health care specialist, dietitian expert, and diabetes educator to help you treat your diabetes. Your family and friends also play a vital role in managing your diabetes. But remember, you are the one who has full control of your body and can do a lot to maintain blood glucose levels.
Also Read: Follow These Diabetes-Friendly Baking Tips
