I used to drink alot of beer, I haven't drank any in a long time. I still enjoy the taste of beer, will it hurt me to drink some tonight? I'm being serious. Thanks!
2006-11-28 08:54:35 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Diabetes
If you are an insulin dependent diabetic than alcohol can be dangerous, espeically if you haven't eaten anything in awhile. I'm not gonna go into specifics coz you probably wouldn't understand, but I'll try to explain it simple style. Your body and brain need glucose (sugar) to survive. When you haven't eaten for awhile your liver makes sugar from glycogen to maintain blood sugar levels that keep your @ss alive. Drinking alcohol messes with the pathway that converts glygogen into glucose. So if you haven't eaten in awhile AND you drink alcohol your blood sugar levels can get dangerously low. Dangerous as in coma and death. It doesn't mean you have to quit completely, you just have to stay on top of what you eat and when you can indulge on a little booze.
Most of these people don't know exactly what diabetes is, I can tell by their responses. Yeah, they know that it has something to do with blood sugar levels and insulin, but there is more to it. The only reason blood sugar is too high is because your pancreas either isn't producing enough insulin or your cells are not responding to it. Insulin makes your cells take up the sugar that is flowing in your blood so they can use it. The fact that you have diabetes means that even though your blood has plenty of sugar and energy, your cells and body act like it is starving because it is not taking up the sugar that is there. Insulin wouldn't make your blood sugar levels go up, it would make it go down by letting the cells take up the sugar. The problem with insulin is that it can make your blood sugar levels go too low(hypoglycemia). Man, after reading some of these responses, people straight don't know what they are talkig about.
A little beer is okay, but your days of getting hammered are over and don't forget what I said about drinking the booze after you haven't eaten in awhile, it is seriously dangerous.
2006-11-28 09:00:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
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2016-05-17 02:45:44 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-09-17 05:16:15 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From one diabetic to another - enjoy the beer just don't go overboard. Beer has the carbs, so if you are on a sliding scale with insulin then you can adjust.
Honest - I have been T1 since 1996 and continue to enjoy drinking my beer. The challenge is that if you drink too much, your sugar can go crazy and being drunk you might not be able to feel the results of a low or high blood sugar.
Good luck - and I think I will go have a beer.
2006-11-28 12:17:34 · answer #4 · answered by Dave 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure what your question is. You said you used to drink a lot of beer, were you an alcoholic? if you had a drinking problem then maybe you should stay away from it completely. if you are asking because you are concerned about drinking beer as a diabetic then that is a different question. Yes diabetics can drink beer, but here is the thing to consider. beer is high in carbohydrates. many diabetics do not realize that the "sugar" in their blood is actually from carbs. drinking a few beers may be like eating a beagle or a loaf of bread in terms of your diabetes. you may want to consider drinking light beer, or even trying wine instead.
2006-11-28 09:01:38 · answer #5 · answered by smfb 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alcohol is NOT a good thing for diabetics. It causes a large rise in blood sugar then a quick FALL. This is not at all good for the possible complications which come later. Lots of things taste good that create problems in diabetics. I would pray for as much control as you seem to have been having. Keep checking your sugars.
Eds
2006-11-29 02:13:26 · answer #6 · answered by Eds 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
are you taking insulin?? very important not to drink alcohol if you do. it will cause your blood glucose levels to go up. even if you're not on insulin, and are taking oral meds. test your sugars about an hour after you drink a beer. you'll have a better idea of how it's going to effect your levels. you can try a low carb beer...i'm on insulin and actos, and i drink a light beer once in a while. don't forget to let your doctor know too, he/she can keep an eye on your hba1c levels.
**addendum** eric, ty for taking the time to be so precise in your answer...i screwed up in my comment regarding insulin and blood glucose levels increasing...i have however, had my levels increase after ingesting alcohol...could've been something else in combination with alcohol effecting my system. after being diagnosed for over 10 years, i am still learning new things about diabetes every day...thanks for the educational info.
2006-11-28 09:09:42 · answer #7 · answered by pirate00girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have type 1 and my doctor always told me that I could live like a normal person, just to watch my blood sugar. You can drink, but only in moderation, and you have to check your blood sugar during that time. Also, since beer and alcohol have sugar, you will have to give your self more insulin. As long as you have good control, you can live a normal healthy life!
2006-11-28 10:10:32 · answer #8 · answered by haw1180 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends how serious your diabetes is.
It's not GOOD for you, but I don't think having a few beers here & there will hurt you muc.
Mine is controlled by diet & exercise, and I drink beer every Saturday.
2006-11-28 09:53:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are asking if you are a diabetic. I can't tell from what you wrote above, but if you think you are you should have yourself checked out. As far as drinking beer if you ARE diabetic, best not to. It's very high on the glycemic index.
2006-11-28 08:57:27 · answer #10 · answered by Dr. Obvious 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋