The topic I’ve been wanting to address but have been afraid to do so. I worked pretty late tonight and caught up with some friends for drinks. Drinks never include beer for me. My body can’t handle the carbs, and I’m not about to prick myself before and after at a bar. So I stick with Vodka Tonics but always feel guilty for drinking. How many diabetics drink and just how bad is it for you? I had one and a half of a drink but I can’t help but feel like I’m hurting myself.
I wanted to drink to relax but I know there are a lot of diabetics out there who avoid drinking period. Is there anyone out there who drinks every now and then?
I want to take care of my body but I want to enjoy myself too.
I wrote a post a bit ago about how I have type 1 diabetes and I enjoy a few drinks now and then. It’s called "Having a Few and it’s over on my main diabetes blog, Six Until Me.
But yes, I have had drinks. Beers, madrases, wine, etc. You aren’t the only one.
When I drink I don’t seem to have issues with going low. At least not yet. I have 1-2 drinks almost daily. Either beer or wine. Sometimes I drink mixed drinks when I go out but I really enjoy wine, especially when I am having dinner. I wouldn’t worry about having a few drinks.
I’m not a regular drinking, but when I do drink, I invariably wind up with lows during the night. It doesn’t matter if I drink beer, wine, or scotch. I can keep my BG normal throughout my time drinking, but about 6 hours later I drop significantly. I use a pump, and I’m thinking of setting a temporary basal for when I enjoy a few. Does anybody have advice for a pumper who likes to have a few occasionally?
I drink about one or two beers or wines a night. But no more than that. need to relax after my 12hr working days! Before i got diabetes i drank a whole lot more On the weekend i still go out on benders. I go really high and then really low in the morning, drinking beer does it to me. I check a few times throughout the night at the bar, or where ever. But hey, i’m 21 and you only live once. My life has changed a whole lot since i’ve been diagnosed… but i still love a good party. Don’t be too hard on your self. But remember, drinking is bad fro you with or without diabetes…
I drink on occassion, too. I do struggle with a high sugar and then dropping lower, so it is a little tough on me, but I do enjoy a few once in a while. I like wine, which make me go high. I check often. That is key for me. Sounds obvious, but it’s crucial.
Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. - Ben Franklin
Saying that I have found support with Corona and Lime. Not real lime. CONCENTRATE! I honestly drink more of the lime than I do the beer.
Vodka and Tonic is a wonderful carb value. The fear you have sounds like concern for losing control and what that might do to you. That is normal in my view.
It is an individual choice. Alcohol has ruined many a life. But if you enjoy yourself and don’t find a detriment to this enjoyment…PARTY ON!
Hi Ashley, I find myself in a lot of situations where drinking is accepted and welcome. (Gotta love advertising) I’ve gotten away from the beer because the carbs can vary so much. Here in Ohio beers can have up to 12% ABV which has made the microbrews in the area flourish. However microbrews can have a wide variety of carbs in them. I’ve gone to Captain and Diet Coke as my drink of choice. Here’s how if breaks down: Beers have carbs but a low amount so be careful not to OD on insulin when drinking beer (usually between 5-10 grams per beer); wine = much more sugar again you have to be careful because it’s easy to burn off the sugar, wine sugars are from fruit juice and not complex in nature; liquor can be relatively safe as long as you are mixing in tonic or diet mixers, otherwise you have to account for the cranberry juice, OJ, etc. Those are the guidelines I usually follow, I spent 5 long years perfecting this, oh, and earning a college degree in between! lol
Yes, now and then i drink, I just try to avoid beer (which I’m also not crazy about and drinks with too much sugar). i drink a glas of wine almost every day or at least twice a day. i have a good control. Just after drinking sometimes it gives me lows, but now i know it. Yeah i understand, i just refuse when i go to a bar for a drink to have to pick myself just to have a drink… so If it’s not low, i just avoid it and have something else.
Ale x
im a type1 on the pump. i have the occasional drink, i cannot stand the taste of beer. i normally stick to the basics Rum and Diet Coke, SugarFree RedBull and Vodka or Jagermeister, occasionally ill sneak in a Gin and Cranberry Juice. i can drink quite a bit but i never push myself to get drunk i just make sure my blood sugar is okay before and then after. i usually check it while standing at the bar.
On the weekend i still go out on benders. I go really high and then really low in the morning, drinking beer does it to me. I check a few times throughout the night at the bar, or where ever. But hey, i’m 21 and you only live once. My life has changed a whole lot since i’ve been diagnosed… but i still love a good party. Don’t be too hard on your self. But remember, drinking is bad fro you with or without diabetes…