Part of what makes the holiday season more fun is alcohol. The imbibing of spirits lowers inhibitions and makes the partying seem more joyous even as it creates more somber moods and increases the possibility of violence. For diabetics it creates an interesting issue: It can actually cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels, increasing the possibility of hyperglycemia. For those who try to moderate their blood sugar, this can make life interesting, as they need to control their blood sugar most when they have the least amount of control.
Of course, the simplest solution also creates the biggest problem: You can deal with the potential drop in blood sugar easiest by grabbing something to eat. However, during the holidays this means that the foods most readily available are usually higher in sugar and carbohydrates, meaning that the cure can be worse than the problem. Making it worse is that the more alcohol you get into your system the more likely you are to make poor decisions. This means that a diabetic must practice moderation in both drinking and eating in order to be maintain a proper blood sugar level during the holidays.
Some drinks are worse than others. Keep in mind that different alcohols affect people differently; wine can affect some people faster than beers, meaning that the same person who drinks gallons of beer with minimal results can get drunk from a glass or two of wine. It pays to know your limits, as the drunker you are the more likely you are to suffer a drop in blood sugar, assuming you are drinking on an empty stomach and stay that way, or are likely to increase your blood sugar if you continue eating while drinking. If you only drink a glass or two you should be fine, but more than that and things start to get interesting.
[For those that count carbs as a way to keep blood sugar in control, different drinks have a different amounts of carbs. Wine is the lowest, at 2-3 grams per glass, while beer has the most at 12-20 per 12-ounce glass (in general, the darker the beer the more carbs it has, with an IPA at 12 and stouts at 20). Sake is in the middle at 10 grams per 5-ounce serving. Spirits can be sort of a mixed bag; although most spirits are pretty much carb-free, but liqueurs and other additives, such as infusions and other flavors, can add up to 20 grams. There is also the possibility that a bartender at a busy bar can give you a non-diet version of a diet addition, such as a regular soda instead of a diet one. As such, avoid mixed drinks if at all possible.]
It is possible to survive the holiday season as a diabetic. You just need to relax and know your limits, and make sure that you have something in your stomach before you start drinking. Keep in mind that moderation is your friend and you should do okay.
Of course, the simplest solution also creates the biggest problem: You can deal with the potential drop in blood sugar easiest by grabbing something to eat. However, during the holidays this means that the foods most readily available are usually higher in sugar and carbohydrates, meaning that the cure can be worse than the problem. Making it worse is that the more alcohol you get into your system the more likely you are to make poor decisions. This means that a diabetic must practice moderation in both drinking and eating in order to be maintain a proper blood sugar level during the holidays.
Some drinks are worse than others. Keep in mind that different alcohols affect people differently; wine can affect some people faster than beers, meaning that the same person who drinks gallons of beer with minimal results can get drunk from a glass or two of wine. It pays to know your limits, as the drunker you are the more likely you are to suffer a drop in blood sugar, assuming you are drinking on an empty stomach and stay that way, or are likely to increase your blood sugar if you continue eating while drinking. If you only drink a glass or two you should be fine, but more than that and things start to get interesting.
[For those that count carbs as a way to keep blood sugar in control, different drinks have a different amounts of carbs. Wine is the lowest, at 2-3 grams per glass, while beer has the most at 12-20 per 12-ounce glass (in general, the darker the beer the more carbs it has, with an IPA at 12 and stouts at 20). Sake is in the middle at 10 grams per 5-ounce serving. Spirits can be sort of a mixed bag; although most spirits are pretty much carb-free, but liqueurs and other additives, such as infusions and other flavors, can add up to 20 grams. There is also the possibility that a bartender at a busy bar can give you a non-diet version of a diet addition, such as a regular soda instead of a diet one. As such, avoid mixed drinks if at all possible.]
It is possible to survive the holiday season as a diabetic. You just need to relax and know your limits, and make sure that you have something in your stomach before you start drinking. Keep in mind that moderation is your friend and you should do okay.
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