Living with diabetes invariably means changing your diet, sometimes drastically. Sugars, fats and simple carbohydrates become your instant enemy because they are processed too quickly in the body and cause glucose levels to spike. Alcohol is processed by your body similarly to the way fats are, and contains about the same caloric value, so consuming alcohol can make it more difficult to control your blood sugar and your weight. Sweet wines and beers contain a great deal of carbohydrates and can wreak havoc on your glycemic index. With these things in mind, you can still enjoy the occasional alcoholic beverage without losing control of your diabetes.
Mixed drinks and cocktails are least favorable. Many cocktails are made with fruit juices, which, along with the alcohol content, can offer a double dose of calories and carbs per glass. Beer is perhaps the worst offender when it comes to adversely affecting your diabetes. If you must drink beer, lighter is better. Dessert wines are delectable, but can be dangerous to the diabetic. Rich and sweet, just a small amount can send your glycemic index soaring. White wines are primarily made with sugar, but dry reds can be virtually sugar free. In fact, some wineries produce organic, sugar free dry red wines specifically for the diabetic market. Additionally, the antioxidants in red wine are beneficial to overall heart health, and new research indicates it may also aid in lowering the absorption rate of glucose in the small intestine. Further studies are underway to confirm if the antioxidant, resveratrol, found in red wine, can affect insulin sensitivity.
Additionally, you want to be more careful with the foods you pair with your beverages. Take fried foods off the menu, and balance your caloric intake in accordance with your beverage choices. Be aware that, just as moderate alcohol consumption can cause glucose spikes, excess intake can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar levels. All things in moderation, as they say.
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