Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

liquor with juvenile diabetes

how does liquor afact a juvenile's blood sugars
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Liquor itself will lower your blood sugar (liquor is all 0g of sugar, including liquors like rum which are based from sugar cane), but if you pair it with a sweet mixer (juice, soda, etc.) it will raise and lower your blood sugar.

I usually find that when I drink, the mixers raise it first and the alcohol lowers it later. As for insulin, I use an insulin pump with a 1 unit / 11g of carb ratio. Because alcohol lowers my blood sugar, I will give less insulin than I normally would for the mixer itself. Example: If I use a cup of juice with my drink, I may take off 1/4 of the insulin amount I would give. This varies from drink to drink and from person to person, so it may take some time to figure out.

If you have recently started drinking, my advice would be to test before you drink, take it *easy* on the liquor, and test every hour while you're drinking at first to see how it affects you. Everyone will be different in this respect.

One thing is very important: Test before you go to bed!

Because alcohol may mess with your ability to "feel" your numbers, you may be low when you go to bed and continue to drop afterwards due to the alcohol. I don't want anyone going into a coma.
Helpful - 0
1711789 tn?1361308007
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi there!

Alcohol consumption in patients with diabetes poses them at a risk for both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. While the former is associated with worsening of diabetes the latter can be acutely dangerous. It can also increase the effect of hypoglycemic medication and pose a risk for pancreatitis associated with worsening diabetes and hence is best avoided in patients with diabetes.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Diabetes - Type 1 Community

Top Diabetes Answerers
231441 tn?1333892766
Manila, Philippines
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Here are three summertime recipes that will satisfy your hunger without wreaking havoc on your blood sugar.
If you have prediabetes, type 2 diabetes isn’t inevitable. Find out how you can stop diabetes before it starts.
Diabetes-friendly recipes and tips for your game day party.
Are there grounds to recommend coffee consumption? Recent studies perk interest.
Simple ways to keep your blood sugar in check.
8 blood sugar-safe eats.