Today we will talk about whether it is possible for a diabetic to drink and, in general, is vodka allowed for diabetes? Most people, upon learning about the presence of "sweet disease", immediately start to panic and fuss.

For many, this becomes a blow for obvious reasons, and some cannot at all accept the very fact of the disease. Nevertheless, after a certain time, the patient comes to his senses and begins to think sensibly.

Since a person is a social being, then there is a mass important issues, one of which is: "Is it possible to drink vodka with diabetes mellitus?" For some, giving up alcohol will not be a problem, but for a certain number of individuals it can be a real challenge.

And it's not about dependence at all. As the saying goes: "Alcohol dilates blood vessels and connections." Often important trade deals or even political games are not resolved without a glass of vodka. Therefore, a diabetic needs to know how to behave with fun drinks and what danger vodka poses in diabetes.

Vodka for diabetes: the effect of alcohol

Ethanol itself is a natural substance that is produced by intestinal bacteria at a dose of 40-45 mg / l of blood. He plays important role in the process of digestion. If the patient has a disorder carbohydrate metabolism, then even a small dose of hard booze can cause dire consequences.

For its action, vodka refers to. Drinking a lot of laughing fluid will not increase your glycemic level, but, on the contrary, will decrease it. But this is the main danger for the patient.

To solve the problem and find out the answer to the question of interest - is it possible to drink vodka with diabetes mellitus - you must first consult with your doctor, since much depends on the individual characteristics of the human body. Only a doctor will be able to comprehensively assess the patient's condition and indicate the amount of alcohol allowed.

The main reasons for the development of hypoglycemic conditions when taking vodka are:

1. Almost complete blockage of glycogenesis. The stores of glucose in the liver cannot be broken down and the cells do not receive enough energy.
2. Decrease in the activity of gluconeogenesis (the formation of ATP molecules from proteins and fats).
3. Strengthening the synthesis of hormones insulin antagonists (cortisol, growth hormone).

It should be noted that a similar effect of vodka or any other begins only 4-6 hours after consumption. Thus, in most patients, hypoglycemia develops during sleep. Some may not wake up at all in the morning if timely assistance is not provided.

What is the right way to drink with diabetes?

You need to know that the best way prevent Negative consequences- there will be a complete rejection of amusing drinks. Nevertheless, everyone understands that not everyone can easily eliminate alcohol from their lives.

1. Drink vodka during the treatment of diabetes mellitus no more than 50 ml per day.
2. Blood glucose should be measured before and after taking ethanol.
3. Be sure to reduce the dose of insulin or sugar-reducing drugs using a laughing drink.
4. Never drink on an empty stomach. It is necessary to have a snack or pre-eat.
5. Do not use vodka as a medicine to lower blood glucose. Long-term use of ethanol aggravates the course of the underlying ailment and causes addiction.
6. It is advisable to have a notification with you that the patient has diabetes. Often there are situations when a person falls into a hypoglycemic coma after 100 g of vodka right on the street. Due to the smell of alcohol, passers-by do not rush to help him. Lack of timely medical intervention can be fatal.

The following people with diabetes need to completely abandon vodka:

• Pregnant women and mothers during breastfeeding;
• Patients with a history of alcohol dependence;
• In the absence of compensation for the underlying ailment;
• If the patient progresses atherosclerosis and polyneuropathy with severe symptoms (angina pectoris, and others);
• With exacerbations of pancreatitis.

Vodka and medicines

Majority medicines provide for limiting alcohol intake to maximize its effectiveness. If we talk about the "sweet disease", then the opposite is true.

Due to the ability of alcohol to lower blood sugar levels, you must observe following rules for an adequate reaction of the body:

1. Before the meal, measure the output level of glycemia.
2. After drinking, repeat the test.
3. Reduce the insulin injection dose according to the meter reading. The volume of taking sugar-reducing drugs (,) should be halved.

Whether or not it is possible to drink vodka with diabetes is a very relevant question. The answer to it depends on many additional factors. The decision must come from the patient himself. The best option there will be a complete rejection of alcohol, since you still need to be objective and admit that vodka with diabetes does not benefit the patient.

It is difficult to constantly find a balance between the amount of alcohol consumed and the dose of drugs. A person himself must choose what is more important to him - his own good health or a good evening mood with a dubious ending.

People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes should always eat a low-carb diet to maintain normal blood glucose levels. In the case of an insulin-independent form of the disease, the nutritional system, correctly developed by endocrinologists, is the main treatment. And in insulin-dependent diabetes, the diet helps reduce the dosage of the hormone insulin and reduces the risk of developing diabetic complications.

Doctors choose food and drink based on their glycemic index(GI). This indicator displays the exact rate at which glucose enters the blood. Food and drinks with indicators up to 50 units are allowed for consumption. At the hospital, diabetics are only told about basic everyday foods and drinks that can be included in the menu.

But what if the holidays are coming and you wanted to drink vodka, rum or wine. Everyone knows that vodka is prohibited in diabetes mellitus due to the high risk of hypoglycemia. However, there are a number of nuances that can help reduce this risk.

The following question is considered - is it possible to drink vodka with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, are alcoholic beverages compatible with hypoglycemic drugs, the benefits and harms of alcohol, what wine can you drink with insulin resistance, how to prepare the body for those who regularly take vodka.

Glycemic index of vodka

As already described above, the basis of the diet for diabetics is made up of drinks and foods with a low index, up to 50 units inclusive. If the index is in the middle range, that is, up to 69 units inclusive, these products and drinks are in the nature of an exception, that is, they are present on the menu only a few times a week and then, in small quantities. Drinks with a GI of 70 units and above are strictly prohibited, since just five minutes after drinking them, you can feel the first signs of hyperglycemia and an increase in blood glucose concentration by 5 mmol / l.

The vodka index is equal to zero units, but this indicator does not give a positive answer to the question - is it possible to drink vodka with diabetes mellitus. This is explained by the fact that alcoholic substances suppress the function of the liver, which in turn slows down the release of glucose into the blood, fighting at this time with alcohol, which is perceived as a poison.

Because of this phenomenon, insulin-dependent patients often have hypoglycemia, in rare cases - delayed. This condition is extremely dangerous for people with a "sweet" disease. Not provided medical care in time can cause coma or death. Therefore, it is extremely important, before using vodka for type 2 and type 1 diabetes mellitus, to warn loved ones about this decision.

With diabetes, it is possible only occasionally and in a small amount of such alcohol:

• vodka, the GI of which is equal to zero units;
• fortified dessert wine, the GI of which is 35 units;
• Red and White dry wine, Whose GI is equal to 45 units;
• dessert wine - 30 units.

1. beer, the GI of which reaches 110 units (even more than that of pure glucose);
2. liqueurs;
3. cocktails;
4. sherry.

Diabetes mellitus and vodka are incompatible concepts, but if a decision is made to use them, some rules should be followed in order to avoid complications on the target organs.

Influence of vodka on diabetes

Sugar level

Vodka enters the bloodstream rather quickly, and in just a couple of minutes its concentration in the blood is visible. The first thing that alcohol affects is the liver, which perceives it as poison. Because of this phenomenon, the process of releasing glucose into the body is inhibited, since the liver diligently neutralizes alcoholic poisons.

It turns out that glucose is "blocked", but insulin is at a constant level, as a result of which hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar drops too low. These things are especially dangerous for a diabetic, since such a condition promises serious complications on the target organs.

In addition to the risk of developing common hypoglycemia, delayed hypoglycemia is also quite likely - a more dangerous condition that can catch a person at any inopportune moment.

The negative effect of hypoglycemia caused by alcohol intoxication:

1. stroke;
2. heart attack;
3. failure of the cardiovascular system;
4. coma;
5. death.

Proceeding from this, the compatibility of vodka and "sweet" disease does not arise in any way.

You should also consider the question - is it possible to drink vodka with diabetes mellitus, associated with the intake of hypoglycemic drugs. Usually, in the instructions for such medications there are no essential side effects.

But it should be borne in mind that alcohol suppresses the effectiveness of any pills.

How to drink alcohol for diabetes

In order to minimize the risks of complications and prevent hypoglycemia, there are a number of rules that must be followed. Firstly, the patient should have a blood glucose meter at hand to monitor indicators and adjust the dose of the hormone insulin.

Secondly, it is forbidden to drink on an empty stomach. Be sure to have at least a light snack. Vodka for type 2 diabetes should be eaten with carbohydrate food, coupled with a small amount of protein foods.

It is also necessary to warn relatives and friends about the decision to take alcohol. This will be required in order for them to be able to give you the first medical assistance at the onset of hypoglycemia, and did not regard the patient's condition as a banal intoxication.

So, the following basic rules for taking vodka can be distinguished:

• be sure to have a snack and increase the usual portion of food;
• with a significant use of vodka, it is necessary to abandon the evening injection of insulin, and at night it is imperative to measure the level of glucose concentration;
• on the day when he will drink alcohol, it is necessary to refuse physical activity and playing sports;
• the appetizer is prepared from products containing difficultly digested carbohydrates;
• have on hand the hormone insulin and glucose;
• in the first four hours after taking the first dose of alcohol, regularly measure the concentration of glucose in the blood using a glucometer.

It is important to take into account and adjust the dose of injection of short or ultrashort insulin, or other hypoglycemic drugs (tablets).

What snacks to choose

As mentioned earlier, vodka with diabetes should be eaten with carbohydrate-containing dishes. However, you should not give up a portion of protein foods, for example, boiled chicken breast or cutlets. It is imperative to supplement the diet with baked goods made from rye, buckwheat or other flour, which are allowed for “sweet illness”.

Since vodka and diabetes Type 2 and type 1 are forced to mate with an increased intake of carbohydrates, yet you should not eat food with a high glycemic index (potatoes, boiled beets and carrots).

As appetizers, dishes from cereals are suitable - buckwheat and Brown rice, vegetables - zucchini, tomatoes, mushrooms and eggplants, fruits - persimmons, pineapples and grapes. Below we will describe dishes that will perfectly fit into any of the types (non-insulin dependent and insulin dependent).

Pilaf is great snack, which contains both proteins and carbohydrates in a balanced way.

It is important that the rice for this dish is brown (brown), since its glycemic index is 55 units, while boiled white rice this figure exceeds 70 units.

The following ingredients are required:

1. 300 grams of brown rice;
2. 250 grams of chicken breast;
3. three cloves of garlic;
4. one small carrot;
5. a tablespoon of refined vegetable oil;
6. salt, ground black pepper - to taste;
7. purified water - 400 milliliters;
8. spices for pilaf - to taste.

Rinse the rice under running water, remove the remaining fat and skins from the chicken and cut into cubes of three centimeters. Pour into the bottom of the multicooker container vegetable oil, add rice, chicken and carrots, also diced. Mix thoroughly, salt, pepper and add spices.

Then pour in water and set the "pilaf" mode for one hour. After half an hour has passed since the start of cooking, put the garlic cut into thick slices on pilaf and continue the cooking process. After finishing, let the pilaf brew for at least 15 minutes.

This dish is suitable for type 1 and type 2 diabetics. Combines well with various vegetable salads- from tomatoes and cucumbers, from Chinese cabbage and carrots.

It should be remembered that only an endocrinologist can allow or prohibit the intake of alcohol by the patient.

Vodka for diabetics can be served not only with meat and cereal dishes, but also with fish dishes. For example, such a dish as types 1 and 2. To prepare this food, you will need the following ingredients:

• one onion, the same amount of carrots;
• 250 milliliters tomato juice with pulp;
• two tablespoons of refined vegetable oil;
• purified water - 100 milliliters;
• one pollock or the other lean fish(hake, perch);
• flour or breadcrumbs for frying fish.

Cut the vegetables into strips and simmer in oil under the lid for five minutes, then add the tomato, water and simmer for another 10 - 15 minutes, season with salt. Separate the fish from the bones and cut into portions, season with salt and pepper, fry in a pan.

People with diabetes should adhere to healthy way life and follow a certain diet. However, many are wondering if alcohol can be consumed with diabetes.

Holidays are not complete without alcohol, and a person suffering from diabetes does not know how to behave at the table.

Many people are interested in whether it is possible to drink alcohol with or type 1). This article will describe the basic rules regarding the consumption of alcohol by diabetics.

The effects of alcohol on a diabetic

Are alcohol and diabetes combined? Getting into the body of a diabetic, alcohol has a specific effect. The drink contributes to the disruption of glucose production in the liver tissues. It decreases and the effect of insulin increases.

When alcohol is consumed, it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. The drink is processed by the liver, so if a person takes insulin or medications in pills to stimulate insulin production, then drinking alcohol can cause a sharp drop in blood sugar levels, as liver function is impaired. Alcohol can trigger hypoglycemia. Also, great harm is done to the state of cardio-vascular system... Death can occur.

Compatibility and alcohol

There is a mixed opinion about whether alcohol and diabetes go together.

The vast majority of doctors are firmly convinced that:

• When consumed alcoholic beverages there is a significant decrease in blood sugar levels, which can provoke the development of hypoglycemia.
• A drunk patient may fall asleep and not notice the first symptoms of hypoglycemia.
• Alcohol provokes confusion, which causes hasty decisions, including when taking medications.
• If a person with diabetes has problems with the kidneys and liver, then the use of such drinks can exacerbate the diseases of these organs.
• Alcohol has a destructive effect on the heart and blood vessels.
• Alcohol can increase appetite, which can cause excess food intake and, as a result, an increase in blood sugar.
• Alcohol increases blood pressure.

The second opinion is that with diabetes mellitus, alcohol can be consumed, only in very moderate quantities.

There are a number of basic rules to avoid its harmful effects on the body.

A person with diabetes is advised to:

• do not drink alcohol on an empty stomach;
• use only strong alcohol or dry red wine;
• keep blood sugar under control.

This opinion is shared by patients who do not follow the strict prescriptions of the doctor and do not want to change the usual lifestyle that they led before they were diagnosed with diabetes.

The main types of diabetes mellitus

Diabetes is triggered by genetic abnormalities, and can also be caused by a viral infection of the body or be the result of a malfunction of the immune system.

Often, the disease becomes the result of malnutrition, a violation of hormonal background, pathology of the pancreas, as well as treatment with certain drugs.

Specialists distinguish the following types of diabetes mellitus:

• non-insulin dependent;
• insulin dependent.

Non-insulin dependent diabetes (type 2)

How does non-insulin dependent diabetes (type 2) manifest? It is characterized by slow development. This condition is accompanied by the presence of itching in the genital area. With this pathology, skin manifestations of a fungal or bacterial nature develop.

Insulin-dependent diabetes (type 1)

It is inherent in young patients and is characterized by rapid development. This type of disease provokes a constant feeling of thirst. A diabetic has a sharp decrease in weight, an increase in the volume of urine excreted, and muscle weakness appears. If the patient is not treated properly, they may develop ketoacidosis with lack of appetite, nausea and vomiting.

Common Symptoms

For both types of the disease, such complications are inherent as:

• disturbances in the work of the heart;
• vascular atherosclerosis;
• tendency to inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system;
• damage to the nervous system;
• various skin pathologies;
• fatty liver;
• weakening of the immune system;
• degeneration of the joints;
• fragility of teeth.

Often, a sharp change in blood sugar is inherent in symptoms that are similar to intoxication. The patient begins to stagger, becomes drowsy, weak and disoriented. Persons suffering from diabetes mellitus are advised to have a doctor's opinion with them with a precise indication of the existing pathology.

Precautions

Alcohol in diabetes mellitus provokes a decrease in the production of glucose in the liver, which is dangerous for sick people who drink alcohol on an empty stomach or after sports training.

If a diabetic drinks alcoholic beverages too often, he has jumps in blood pressure, the threshold for the development of hypoglycemia rises, numbness of the extremities and signs of neuropathy appear.

This reaction to alcohol is not uncommon. If you take alcohol in a limited amount and constantly monitor your insulin levels, then the likelihood of side effects is minimized.

If a person has diabetes, can alcohol be taken daily? Limiting the amount does not mean that you can drink alcohol every day. The minimum intake will be optimal, no more than twice a week.

Basic rules for drinking alcohol in the presence of diabetes mellitus

What should a diabetic drinker know? Can any alcohol be consumed with diabetes? There are several types of alcoholic beverages that are strictly prohibited to drink in the presence of a disease.

This list includes:

• liquor;
• champagne;
• beer;
• sweet dessert wine;
• a soda containing a low concentration of alcohol.

In addition, you should not drink alcohol:

• on empty stomach;
• more than once a week;
• in parallel with an agent that helps to lower the temperature;
• during or after sports.

The golden rule should be constant blood sugar control. Check it before drinking alcohol. If it is lowered, then do not drink. If there is such a need, then you should take a drug that increases sugar levels.

If alcohol was drunk in more than expected, you should check the sugar reading before bedtime. Usually in this case it is downgraded. Doctors advise to eat something to raise it.

Many people wonder if alcohol can be mixed with other drinks for diabetes. In this case, it is recommended to select a low-calorie combination. Avoiding sweetened drinks, juices and syrups is recommended.

If in doubt about your continued well-being, inform the person who will be nearby about a possible reaction from the body. In this case, you will be able to provide timely assistance. It is very important.

Can I drink vodka?

Can a diabetic drink vodka? To answer this question, you should pay attention to the composition of the drink. It contains alcohol diluted with water. It does not contain any impurities and additives. However, we are talking about perfect recipe vodka, which not all manufacturers adhere to. Modern products contain various chemical impurities that have a negative effect on the human body.

Vodka helps to lower glucose levels, which can provoke hypoglycemia. A drink in combination with insulin preparations inhibits the production of the right amount cleansing hormones that help the liver in the absorption of alcohol.

But in some cases, vodka helps to stabilize the condition of the diabetic. You can drink vodka for patients with type 2 diabetes. Alcohol in this case is able to optimize the state if the sugar index becomes higher. permissible norm... At the same time, it is recommended to consume no more than 100 g of the drink per day, snacking on vodka with medium-calorie food.

The drink promotes the activation of digestion and the breakdown of sugar, but at the same time disrupts metabolic processes in organism. In this case, it would be better to consult with your doctor.

Drinking wine

Many scientists believe that drinking dry red wine is not capable of harming the body. However, for a diabetic, drinking alcohol is always fraught with complications.

Dry red wine contains substances useful for the body - polyphenols. They are able to control blood glucose levels. When taking this alcohol, a diabetic should pay attention to the percentage of sugar in the drink. The most optimal indicator is no more than 5%. Therefore, doctors recommend dry red wine, although they note that it should not be abused either.

Is it possible to drink alcohol with diabetes mellitus in unlimited quantities? At one time, it is recommended to consume no more than 200 g, and for a daily intake, 30-50 g will be sufficient.

Drinking beer

Many people, especially men, prefer beer to alcoholic beverages. It is considered high-calorie product which contains a large number of carbohydrates. Therefore, it is not recommended for people with diabetes.

Beer is also alcohol. With type 2 diabetes in the amount of one glass, it is unlikely to be harmful. But in insulin-dependent patients, the drink can trigger an onset of glycemia. Therefore, alcohol in type 1 diabetes and insulin is dangerous combination... Coma is often provoked, which can be fatal.

Many diabetics mistakenly believe that beer is not harmful to their health. This opinion is based on the fact that yeast has positive impact... This product is often used with preventive purpose... When a diabetic uses brewer's yeast, a healthy metabolism is restored, liver function and hematopoiesis are optimized. But this effect is caused by the use of yeast, not beer.

Available contraindications

There are certain conditions of the body in which alcohol and diabetes are not compatible in any way:

• Increased tendency to hypoglycemia.
• The presence of gout.
• Reduced kidney functionality in conjunction with such a pathology as nature.
• Increased triglyceride levels when drinking alcohol, which causes a malfunction in fat metabolism.
• Excessive alcohol consumption in chronic pancreatitis can trigger the onset of type 2 diabetes.
• The presence of hepatitis or cirrhosis in a diabetic, which is quite common.
• Reception of "Metformin". Usually this medicinal product it is prescribed for type 2 disease. The combination of alcohol with this medicine provokes the development of lactic acidosis.
• The presence of diabetic neuropathy. Ethyl alcohol provokes peripheral nerve damage.

Eating should be done three to five times evenly and should include different kinds products.

A particular danger is the development of late hypoglycemia, when a pathological picture occurs several hours after drinking alcohol. It is very difficult to stop such an attack due to a sharp decrease in glycogen in the liver. Moreover, this condition can manifest itself after episodic drinking on an empty stomach.

Dose limitation

If a person has diabetes, drinking alcohol should be limited.

• beer - 355 ml;
• wine - 148 ml;
• strong whiskey, port, rum, etc.) - 50 ml.

Conclusion

Alcohol and diabetes, according to many doctors, do not go together. Drinking alcohol can cause a sharp drop in blood sugar. Doctors strongly recommend refraining from alcohol intake. But if it is not always possible to follow this rule, then you should adhere to clear recommendations regarding the rules for drinking beverages by persons suffering from impaired glucose production.

Diabetes mellitus has not yet been cured, therefore such a diagnosis is made to a person forever. But in life there are holidays, birthdays, when the patient has to "meet" with strong alcoholic beverages. Is it possible to drink vodka with type 2 diabetes mellitus is a question that worries many patients, especially men. Endocrinologists and nutritionists, already when making a diagnosis, clarify the serious harm of alcohol, especially strong alcohol, and why this harm occurs - we will consider in the article.

Vodka - what kind of product?

Vodka - strong alcoholic beverage, colorless, with a characteristic odor. Previously, it was made by distillation (distillation), and nowadays it is produced by the dilution method ethyl alcohol water to the right concentration... The beginning of the use of the drink falls on the 14th century, and it has not lost its popularity even now.

There is a myth that vodka with type 2 diabetes will not harm a person, since it contains minimal amount carbohydrates, therefore, it should not cause a jump in sugar. Indeed, high-quality alcoholic, properly purified, allows you to get the purest drink almost no carbohydrates, but its negative properties lie in the specific effect on the body, which will be described below.

In the composition of vodka, in addition to the main component - alcohol - there are a number of minerals and other substances in small dosages:

• Mono-, disaccharides
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Sodium

Vodka for type 2 diabetics is far from useful due to high calorie content- per 100 g, it is 235 kcal.

Vodka and type 2 diabetes

Ethanol is constantly present in human body, but in very small quantities. Taking vodka greatly increases its content. Ethanol has the property of lowering blood sugar, but, unlike drugs, vodka with type 2 diabetes mellitus knocks down sugar dramatically, uncontrollably. Dizziness, fainting, and other symptoms of hypoglycemia can result. In people with type 1 disease, even one "libation" can cause hypoglycemic coma and death (depending on the severity of diabetes).

The harm of strong alcohol lies in the negative effect on the pancreas and liver. The work of the pancreas in a diabetic is severely impaired, its structure is diffusely altered, and the cells may cease to function. The liver is an organ that most often undergoes the consequences of this disease in diabetes, and complications in the form of fatty degeneration and other ailments are highly likely. Vodka literally destroys the already suffering organs, the course of the disease and associated pathologies goes to a more serious stage.

See also: - benefit or harm?

Conclusions: regular consumption of a strong drink or a one-time abuse of it greatly aggravates the development of the disease, increases the risk of early complications and side diseases, therefore, vodka in type 2 diabetes is definitely harmful! But experts note that in the initial stages of diabetes and with its stable course, alcohol of this type in small doses and irregularly can still be taken - no more than 100 g and very rarely. The exception is the presence of obesity: then any alcohol will have to be completely abandoned.

How to reduce the harm from vodka to diabetics?

There are rules, compliance with which will reduce Negative influence vodka on the body, which does not cancel the above prohibitions and restrictions. So, vodka with type 2 diabetes will be less harmful if:

1. Take alcohol only on a full stomach.
2. Do not combine drinking alcohol and taking sugar-lowering tablets, fatty, salty foods.
3. Do not forget to control sugar immediately after taking vodka, after 1 and 2 hours.
4. Do not drink vodka after exercising.

The question of whether it is possible to drink vodka for diabetics is decided on an individual basis, but if you want to maintain health for a long time, it is better to give up the drink, and, moreover, not to allow the formation of a bad habit!

Alcohol for diabetes is allowed in moderation. If you abuse alcohol, there is a serious threat to life. In addition to the quantity, the composition of the drinks drunk is important. Liqueurs, vermouths, alcoholic cocktails, liqueurs, fortified and dessert wines- poison for diabetics. In case of illness, nutritionists allow light beer, dry wines and vodka - but their safety is relative, therefore, if possible, it is better to refuse drinking completely.

Diabetes and alcohol compatibility

Sweet illness, as diabetes is sometimes called, is expressed in elevated level glucose due to absolute or relative insufficiency of insulin (pancreatic hormone). In order to maintain normal sugar, the patient has to use insulin-containing medications.

Once in the body, insulin drugs inhibit the production of glycogen by the liver. Ethyl alcohol has a similar effect. But this is not an indicator of the benefits of alcohol for a diabetic: pharmaceuticals cannot be replaced with alcohol, since alcohol affects people in different ways, it is impossible to predict how much the concentration of sugar in the blood will change.

The harm of alcohol for diabetics is the lack of compatibility with most drugs. Due to a similar effect, an excessively intense decrease in glucose may occur. The result is a coma due to hypoglycemia.

Features 1 type

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is an incurable insulin-dependent form of the disease. Patients are forced to inject insulin several times a day for the rest of their lives. Skipping another injection for them is tantamount to death (hyperglycemic, ketoacidotic coma sets in).

Diabetics, in addition to regularly taking medications, should sit on strict diet- food should not contain a lot of sugar, therefore, sugary drinks are prohibited. When choosing alcohol, you should give preference to weak types - a high concentration of ethyl alcohol in combination with insulin injections will lower the glucose level too much. Doctors allow patients to spoil themselves occasionally with 200 ml light beer or 250 ml of dry red wine - you can drink only after eating.

Since, in combination with injections, alcohol has a double effect on the level of glycogen, after drinking, the patient should measure sugar every 2-3 hours (during the day until alcohol is naturally excreted from the body). If your legs suddenly go numb, your head is spinning, weakness appears - these are signs of hypoglycemia (blood sugar is below 3.3-3.9 mmol / l). It is necessary to take tabletted glucose and the dose of the next injection of insulin should be halved. If the condition does not stabilize within a couple of hours, you will have to call an ambulance.

Features type 2

When choosing alcohol for insulin-dependent diabetics, one should look not at the strength, but at the amount of carbohydrates in the alcoholic beverage. Doctors say that it is much safer to drink 20-30 grams of quality whiskey or vodka than a glass of wine.

It is better to refuse beer with type 2 diabetes mellitus altogether - especially if the disease has arisen against the background of obesity. The intoxicated drink contributes to the intensive weight gain of the patient, leading to a sharp rise in blood sugar levels.

Important: if during the day the patient took drugs like Maninil, Diabeton, Amaril, Novonorm, then from taking alcoholic product should be abandoned for at least a day. The effect of these drugs and alcohol is aimed at lowering glucose, and the risk of developing glycemia is too high.

Depending on the type of drink

Except liquor and sweets strong tinctures diabetics of any group should refuse vermouths and balms. Alcoholic cocktails that contain carbonated drinks, sweeteners, fruit and berry juices(not natural freshly squeezed, but packaged).

In order not to rise in sugar, you should use not dessert, but white and red dry wines - in the amount of 150-200 ml no more than 1 time per week. The most dangerous wine varieties are sherry, marsala, nutmeg, cahors, cider.

You can drink vodka, whiskey, brandy with diabetes in small doses- no more than 30-40 ml and no more than 1 time per week (even at normal sugar levels). When choosing a beer, give preference light varieties with a strength of less than 5%.

Contraindications and rules of use

Drinking alcohol is allowed only with a stable sugar level. When it is not possible to bring it back to normal, then it is necessary to take medications, and not alcohol. If you have recently had a diabetic crisis or an attack of hypoglycemia, then alcohol should be abandoned for at least 2-3 days.

In addition to limiting the dose of alcohol and choosing the type of strong drink, diabetics should follow the rules for drinking. Necessarily:

• Drink no later than an hour after the last meal.
• Drink in portions (divide the daily dosage into several doses) - in order to track the symptoms of deterioration in time.
• After each serving of alcohol, eat a diabetic food (almonds, Walnut, pistachios, whole grain crisps, spinach or kale chips, feta cheese, etc.).

The insidiousness of drinking alcohol is that the symptoms of intoxication are similar to those of hypo- and hyperglycemia. Men and women may experience weakness, nausea, confusion, sweating, tachycardia, dizziness, speech impairment. It is better to play it safe and measure your sugar level in a similar condition.

Consequences and complications

Alcoholism with diagnosed diabetes mellitus is dangerous with a high risk of death. A common cause of death is hypo- or hyperglycemic coma (depending on whether the sugar rises or falls from the alcohol you drink). Comes in 40–80 minutes hours after taking alcohol (if you do not notice the deterioration in time and do not take the necessary medications).

The mortality rate in a coma in patients who do not consume spirits is 8.9%. For diabetics with alcoholism - 72%. A person dies due to the resulting paralysis and edema of the medulla oblongata, followed by a critical decrease in blood pressure, cardiac arrest and respiratory depression.

Another consequence of alcoholism in diabetes is heart disease. According to statistics, the risk of death from cardiovascular disease in diabetics 4 times higher compared to healthy people. Regular use a person who is sick with alcohol increases the risk of death from a heart attack or stroke by 7 times.

Diabetics are already having a hard time - the disease requires constant monitoring of well-being. In such an environment, drinking alcohol is dangerous. But people are free to decide for themselves whether the momentary pleasure of drinking vodka or wine is worth the risk of falling into a coma. If a person wants to try his luck and drink, he should limit himself to a small dose of permitted alcohol. This is the only way to minimize the harm caused by alcohol to a patient with diabetes.

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