Breaking Down those Adult Beverages

"Do you drink?"........The question stumps me every time.  No doubt the answer is yes; but for an over-thinker such as myself, I know in south Louisiana the real question is, "Do you enjoy getting wasted every now and then?"  To this, the answer is no.  Now you see my dilemma. 

This tricky question is a good lead-in to the topic of alcohol and diabetes, a tricky combination.  Most resources will say that alcohol in moderation is okay for diabetics, but be aware that it can cause hypoglycemia.  That's certainly good to know, but it still leaves much to be desired. 

While it will take some individual trial and error, I want to offer some perspective for you by establishing two cardinal rules: (A) just as in all things, moderation is indeed king.  (B) alcohol can lower blood sugar, but what else is in the drink?

Intoxication and hypoglycemia have many of the same characteristics.  Practically speaking, that is why (A) is important.  On the other hand, we must remember that not all drinks will cause hypoglycemia.  In fact, many drinks will cause a spike in blood sugar because of other ingredients.  It's important to know what's in your drink before taking that first sip.  Here are a few general guidelines for common beverages:

1.  Beer.  Contains carbohydrates that will increase blood sugar.  Be mindful, however, that they tend to be digested slowly, like a complex carb or fat.

2.  Wine.  Little to no carb.  There is a good chance that it could cause hypoglycemia, even hours later!  It is wise to keep wine-drinking with meals.  See study.

3.  Hard liquor & mixed drinks.  For blood sugar purposes, liquor by itself can be treated as wine.  Mixed drinks, however, usually contain juices or other ingredients that can be packed with sugar.  These will spike the blood sugar very quickly.

Happy drinking; and let's be less than seven, greater than low! 

Nutrition facts & tips