Alchoal and Type One Diabeties-Problems

[gmoney]

Can you guys help fill me in on the danger with Beer and alochal when u got diabeties?

My docter just told me not to drink, didnt excatlly tell me why

Thanks

[JDRF-Team-cd]

In response to your question several things come to mind.  I believe that everyone with Type 1 diabetes needs to be totally aware of what is happening with their blood sugar all the time.  Alcohol can inhibit this ability for one thing.  Also, the symptoms of too much alcohol and hypoglycemia can be similar and you do not want anyone to confuse a low blood sugar for being drunk as they might not give you the proper treatment.  

When your blood sugar level starts to drop, your liver steps in. It sends glucose out into the blood, which helps you avoid or slow down a low blood sugar reaction. However, when alcohol is involved, the liver won't put out glucose again until it has taken care of the alcohol. If your blood glucose level is falling, you can quickly wind up with very low blood sugar.  This is why drinking on an empty stomach can lead to very low blood sugar. Alcohol can cause low blood sugar for up to 12 hours after drinking.  

Alcohol is also full of empty calories and adds no nutrition to your meal so if weight is a problem, cutting back on alcohol would be a good place to start. Some diabetes problems/ complications can become even worse like blood pressure and triglycerides when alcohol is involved.

All kinds of factors can throw off your blood sugar with unpleasant and sometimes dangerous consequences. I would have to agree with your doctor, but if you choose to drink, limit the amount and have it with food, not on an empty stomach (and check your blood sugar more often).

Have a wonderful day.

[jdrf team dm]

Dear gmoney,
I've seen your questions on another thread and glad your still asking questions.  As a volunteer and mother of a 27 year old with diabetes, he also had issues of the safety of having a beer.  He found that because of the sugar in alcohol it would send his bs skyhigh.  Maybe because of the way the liver metabolizes alcohol (I could be wrong here), he could get a rapid falling of his bs and have a pretty severe reaction.  Also, any mind altering drug, alcohol included, will distort your ability to recognise when a low bs is coming.  We all know how dangerous this is.  Hate to sound like a Mom and preaching, but at 15, I hate to see you having to even deal with these issues. If you feel that it maybe a problem, please tell someone.  Teens have so much pressures these days, especially with these issues and it dosn't help when you also have diabetes. I answered on your other question and appreciate your willingness to get the information you need.  Please keep in touch and I commend you for your courage to be so open.  Stay safe.
DM
P.S.  I love the fact you are looking into film making.  Sounds like you are very creative.

[gmoney]

Cool, Thanks, Does all alchoal have sugar in it? Like, would vodka or like some hard stuff like that contain sugar?

[jdrf team dm]

Dear gmoney,
All alcohol has sugar in it in high volumes.  It dosn't matter if its beer or vodka. g, its not a good idea for you to indulge in any alcohol, I would advise you to talk to your doctor or parents about your feelings about this.  As a volunteer and Mom, I would highly recommend not participating in drinking of any kind.  Please keep in touch. We care.
DM

[gmoney]

Thats cool, i didnt plan on drinkin ne time soon, i was just curious, thanks

[footballplr024]

i am 17 years old and the few times i have drank alcohol my blood sugar has just gone really high. i have heard that it tends to drop and want to know how i can drink with my friends and still be safe. i use the insulin pump which i think makes it easier to control my blood sugar levels. im very active and play 3 sports so lots of times i dont even need to give myself insulin to keep it in a good range. all my friends know about my diabeties and i have a twin brother who never leaves my side and makes sure i am okay when i have drank. what is the best way of being safe while still being able to drink? and is it different because i use the insulin pump?