Alcohol and Diabetes: Why It’s an Incompatible Match?

Diabetes, if not properly managed, can result in a plethora of problems. It can cause heart diseases, nerve problems, vision issues, amputation and even death. Hence, every aspect of a diabetic’s lifestyle comes under the scanner. And here we are revealing the complete incompatibility between Alcohol and Diabetics.

Recently, one of my patients shared that his blood glucose levels are a bit high. He further revealed that he is into a habit of drinking 120 ml of whisky daily. The patient then asked if alcohol was the culprit of his raised blood sugar. If Alcohol and Diabetics are compatible. And he was not expecting what I had to say!

Alcohol is a complete no-no even for a healthy person. So, how can it be ok for a person whose body is already struggling to get back to its healthy state? If you have diabetes, then avoiding alcohol is the best thing. It can pretty much mess everything from the appetite to medicines. Even research states that alcohol consumption can increase the risk of type-2 diabetes.

Alcohol and Diabetics – Hypoglycemia

Alcoholic drinks are full of sugar. Then how can it cause a drop in the blood sugar levels, a condition called hypoglycemia? Does it mean alcohol helps control the blood sugar level of a person?

Well, the answer is no. Alcohol is not a cure for any disease. Not even for cold and cough or insomnia and stress, let alone diabetes. We have more conclusive reasoning for this.

Alcohol is a toxin. When you take alcohol, the body directs all its energies in expelling the poison and keeping you alive. It’s an autonomous reaction. This means that alcohol disrupts all the other processes of the body. Alcohol digestion is undertaken as a high-priority task by the body. Even the production of glucose and hormones needed to regulate it is also hindered.

So, until the last drop of alcohol gets digestion, everything else is put on hold. This causes blood sugar levels to drop, resulting in hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia calls for immediate action. If the blood sugar levels drop by 70 milligrams per deciliter.

5 Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

1. Drowsiness
2. Dizziness
3. Confusion
4. Blurry vision
5. Headache

When alcohol gets digested, the huge amount of sugar in it starts converting into glucose. This causes a spike in the blood glucose levels. Such frequent fluctuations in sugar levels can cause severe damage to the blood circulation system. It can even lead to serious complications like cardiac disease and kidney dysfunction.

Also Read: This is why you should stop smoking immediately if you are a diabetic.

Alcohol and Diabetics: Interaction with Medication

Diabetes Medications brings down high blood sugar levels. Alcohol as already mentioned causes hypoglycemia in the beginning. Thus, diabetes medications mixed with alcohol may increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Chlorpropamide and other sulfonylureas combined with alcohol can lead to complications. It can cause flushing, hypotension, nausea, tachycardia, vertigo, dyspnea, and blurred vision. Patients with a history of chronic alcohol abuse or addiction should avoid Metformin.

5 top reasons why Alcohol and Diabetics are no bond

• Alcohol increases appetite and leads to overeating.
• It can interfere with the effects of medicines.
• Hard drinks may increase blood pressure.
• Alcohol influences the liver.
• Some drinks spike blood sugar levels.

So, whether you are a beer person or brandy person, that does not make much of a difference. Check out the facts for yourself.

1. BEER

Beer is traditionally brewed by the fermentation of malt with sugars and yeast. It is the most popular choice when it comes to alcoholic beverages. Beer contains 4.5%- 8% of alcohol which makes it a go-to option for most people. 

Effects of Beer on diabetes

Beer contains sugar and carbohydrates which can spike the blood sugar levels. This may cause fatigue, thirst and frequent urination as external symptoms and internally it might cause great damage to your heart and kidney. Plus, the problem is grave if you don’t know when to stop!

2. Whisky

This is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from grain mash. Whiskies are generally flavoured by congeners and Fusel oils. Due to the presence of these components, whisky is mildly toxic. The alcohol content of whisky is about 40%-68% which is quite high and alarming for an ailing patient. 

Effects of Whisky on Diabetics

The toxicity of whisky can cause harm to the liver. Distilled alcohols have higher alcohol content which inhibits the proper functioning of the liver to release glucose. This results in a sudden drop in the blood sugar levels dangerously especially in type1 diabetics. The flavouring components also hinders in medications of the diabetics which can add on to the burden.

3. Rum

Rum is a distilled alcoholic beverage with 50% alcohol content. Fermentation of sugarcane molasses or beet sugar produces rum. Rum has high levels of carbohydrate and calories. It’s made from sugar syrup and sugar substitutes

Effects of Rum on diabetics

Due to high levels of carbohydrates and calories, rum isn’t a good choice if you want to lose weight or control your blood sugar levels. Also, rum also causes dizziness and nausea. This alcoholic beverage has a heating effect on the body which might cause uneasiness. It is a clear verdict that Rum is a strict no for diabetics.

4.Vodka

Vodka is the fermentation of potato starch or rice or wheat or rye etc. It has high levels of alcohol that ranges from 40-50%. Vodka has the highest amount of ethanol leading to its toxicity!

Effects of Vodka on diabetics

Vodka has a reputation in harshly affecting the liver functioning causing cirrhosis. Due to high ethanol content vodka isn’t an ideal drink. So, excess intake can cause trouble. Also, few properties of vodka cause inhibition of working on certain medications and may also cause side effects and allergic reactions. So, even Vodka should not make it to a diabetic’s glass.

5. Brandy

Distillation of wine results in brandy. Brandy contains 35-60% alcohol. It is often used as culinary benefits. Traditionally peole served brandy after dinners as it has high digestive quality. But is brandy ideal for a diabetic?

Effects of brandy on diabetics

Brandy has also adverse effects on diabetics. Because of its high alcohol content, dizziness is one of the common side effects of brandy. This alcoholic beverage also has a heating effect on the body that might cause irritability.

So, what should go in the glass?

Water. That’s the best and purest drink diabetics can drink to their heart’s content! As for alcohol, no alcohol should be consumed by a diabetic in any season for any reason!

I know it can be tough, challenging at times, but trust me giving up on a bad habit is like taking the weeds out of your garden. It’s painful but essential for your plants to survive!