Alcohol's Influences On Various Disease States - medical conditions, such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia can be worsened by the use of alcohol

Alcohol Research & Health, Wntr, 1999 by Ron Weathermon, David W. Crabb

- Ron Weathermon and David W. Crabb

PREVENTING ALCOHOL-INDUCED HYPOGLYCEMIA

Alcohol-consuming diabetic patients should consider the following general suggestions for preventing alcohol-induced hypoglycemia:

* Never consume alcohol without food or while in a fasting state.

* Consume only moderate amounts of alcohol (i.e., one or two bottles of beer, glasses of wine, or mixed drinks at one sitting), and drink no more than once or twice weekly.

* Allow 1.5 to 2 hours between drinks.

* Avoid sugar-containing drinks, and consume only light beer, dry wine, or drinks mixed with diet sodas.

* Check blood sugar levels if unsure whether certain body sensations (e.g., light-headedness) result from hypoglycemia or alcohol effects.

* Be on the alert for alcohol hidden in prescription and over-the-counter medications.

1 A standard drink is defined as one 12-ounce can of beer or bottle of wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits and is equivalent to approximately 0.5 ounce, or 12 grams (g), of pure alcohol.

References

BEILIN, L.J. Alcohol and hypertension. Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology 22:185-188, 1995.

EMANUELE, N.V.; SWADE, T.F.; AND EMANUELE, M.A. Consequences of alcohol use in diabetics. Alcohol Health & Research World 22(3):211-219, 1998.