Don't drink on empty stomach

Diabetes remains a major health problem and can cause a long term complications on the arteries or nerves. This artery damage results in medical problems that are both common and serious.

Although, some studies have shown that if you have diabetes, drinking alcohol will cause your blood sugar to rise, experts say people with diabetes can enjoy some alcohol but they must not drink on an empty stomach.

According to the experts, rules are the same as for everyone else: one drink per day for women; two for men. But you need to know how alcohol affects your blood sugar. A sugary drink might spike your blood sugar. But if you drink on an empty stomach or take certain medications, your levels could swing too low.

The experts warned against drinking on an empty stomach because food helps individual process alcohol. They argued that there was no need for people to drink their meals as booze lowers blood sugar. Don’t forget to test. Alcohol can affect your blood sugar for up to 24 hours.On drinking dos, they recommend that people should stay hydrated — it helps keep you sober. Be careful if you take insulin — alcohol can make your blood sugar drop.

What experts say about drinks and cocktails for diabetic patients:

Beer: 354 grams of beer has about 15 grams of carbohydrates, compared to 3 to 6 grams in light beer. Also, “light” and “low carb” are pretty much the same thing — and also your best bet. Be careful with craft beer. Most have twice the alcohol and calories as regular beer.

Wine: Some research says wine (red or white) helps your body use insulin better and may even make you less likely to get type 2 diabetes in the first place. It may also have heart benefits, to boot. A standard 147 grams serving has about 120 calories, nearly all of which come from alcohol, not carbs.

Sangria: Recipes vary, but depending on the fruit and juices involved, this drink may have as much sugar as a regular soda. Instead of sangria, go with one glass of dry red or white wine. Those only have about 4 grams of carbs. Avoid sweeter varieties, like flavoured wines and dessert wines.

Liquor: 29 grams of liquor, depending on the proof, has about the same amount of alcohol as 147 grams of wine. While liquor is often carb-free, mixers like soda and juice can send blood sugar levels through the roof. To prevent a spike, mix your liquor with a calorie-free drink like water or seltzer.

Source-vanguardngr