Do you consume alcohol regularly and have now been diagnosed with diabetes? You may be cursing yourself for taking up a bad habit but the truth is that many people who abstain from alcohol also get the disease. As per general health care advice, it is best to avoid alcohol as alcohol can impair the functioning of the liver and pancreas. However, surprisingly some properties of alcohol seem to favor diabetics. For example, alcohol can reduce blood sugar levels which diabetics always try to do with several diets and medications. One study even showed that low to moderate consumption of alcohol by diabetics can actually reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. People fond of beer also argue that the fortified varieties are rich in essential amino acids and vitamins, good for appetite and skin.
Can You Consume Beer If You Have Diabetes?
Alcohol consumption cannot be directly linked to acquiring diabetes disease. Too much alcohol intake can impair mental processes and cause heart diseases, high blood pressure, digestive malfunctions, and several types of cancers. Yet it can be argued that all foods have their recommended intake limit beyond which they can harm. The recommended limit varies as per food type. For example, consumption of excessive sugary foods and fats and oils beyond their recommended limits can equally harm the body. So if you must take alcohol to get the kick from life then you need to balance on other foods. It is also important not to fall into a sedentary lifestyle and give up exercises.
Diabetes type and alcohol intake
Diabetes was mainly classified under two categories the type-1 and type- 2 diabetes. In present times we know of six types of diabetes. Diabetes is associated with the body’s inability to digest sugar and maintain normal blood sugar levels. Sugar is metabolized in the body by its own hormone insulin produced by the pancreas. The insulin produced by the pancreas flows into the liver and is stored there for future use. Problems with sugar metabolism can arise due to the body’s inability of interacting with insulin, absence of insulin, and insufficient production and processing of insulin. A diseased liver or pancreas can be the underlying cause of insulin problems in the body. If you are diabetic due to diseased liver or pancreas then it makes all sense to give up even on the little alcohol you may be consuming. Not only alcohol but you may have to also abstain from certain foods that weaken the liver or pancreas and follow a strict diet regimen.
Recommended daily limit of alcohol intake
Alcohol is an intoxicant produced by fermenting yeasts and sugars. Its chemical name is ethanol. Apart from providing pleasantness of mood, ethanol does not have any other nutritionally relevant intake value. As per prescriptions of Dietary Guidelines of America (DGA) adult men and women who choose to intake alcohol must limit to two and one drink per day respectively. One standard drink of alcohol is around 13 grams of alcohol.
Beer facts diabetics should know
Diabetics who consume alcohol might try to restrict only to beer drinking assuming it to be light on alcohol. However, as per the DGA, it is the amount of alcohol consumed and not the type of drink consumed that is of significance. Beer constitutes water, malted barley, hops extract, and glucose syrup. If you are a diabetic ensure you get glucose syrup-free beer variety.
For diabetics, it is also important to know the sugar and calorie content of their drinks. Know the beer facts that can help you choose your best drink:
- Sugar content of beer: Diabetics can choose sugar-free beer drinks. It is best to avoid wines that are high on natural sugars if not added ones.
- Alcohol content of beer: As per the DGA, one 12-ounce beer can, roughly 28-gram beer has about the same amount of alcohol, around 13 grams, as one 5-ounce glass of wine or 1.5-ounce of liquor.
- Calorie content of beer: A bottle of regular beer of 330 ml can have 145 calories and a light variety of beer can have 74 calories.
- Best weather for beer: People like to have beer mostly in summers to cool off.
Best drinks for diabetics
Diabetics have their social and individual life and need to pick up their drinks now and then
- Social life: You can choose one serve sugar-free whisky, vodka, rum, or anything. Just be mindful of alcohol content.
- Individual life: Like sitting with a bottle to drive away blues? Keep soda or water handy and be mindful of how many grams of alcohol goes inside.
- Season drinks: Whisky, rum, brandy can be best for cold weathers, nice to have some sugar-free beer or vodka in summers.