For people with diabetes, drinking alcohol can pose a number of problems.
- First, alcohol can initially raise blood sugar and then cause blood sugar levels to drop. Because the signs of intoxication are so similar to the symptoms of hypoglycemia (drowsiness and disorientation), patients may not know they have developed hypoglycemia.
- Second, if you take glucose-lowering medications and drink alcohol at the same time, then your blood sugar may drop to dangerous levels.
- Third, drinking large amounts of alcohol can lead to further worsening of certain diabetes complications, including neurological disease and kidney disease.
Allow people with diabetes to drink only with meals and when their blood sugar is under control. Ask for a diabetic ID badge so that others do not mistake symptoms of hypoglycemia for drunkenness. Inform your doctor about your drinking so that he or she will provide some personalized advice.