Type 2 diabetes and alcoholism can be managed at the same time. Many millions of Type 2 diabetics also have issues with alcohol. That's only natural, because the kind of depression that alcohol and alcohol withdrawal cause is responsive to sugar... which only makes both conditions worse. There are some simple ways, however, to keep both conditions under control.
How to manage alcoholism and Type 2 diabetes: The key to managing alcoholism and Type 2 diabetes at the same time is to avoid sugar, especially high-fructose corn syrup. Alcoholics are especially susceptible to highs and lows of blood sugar, and high-fructose corn syrup, (the main ingredient in most sugar-sweetened soft drinks), only provides the sweet taste without preventing the crash in blood sugar levels. And it's when blood sugar levels are low that alcoholics are most likely to forget their resolutions about drinking.
Depression is a common problem in both conditions. To make more of the mood-elevating hormone serotonin, the brain will stimulate an appetite for sugar. High blood sugar levels make it easier for the brain to absorb tryptophan, the amino acid it uses to make serotonin. Another way to get the needed tryptophan, however, is to eat more protein at meals, or, if there is a liver problem so protein must be limited, to take a supplement called 5-HTP.
Other helpful rules for managing both type 2 diabetes and alcohol include:
Avoid high-fructose corn syrup in baked goods and soft drinks at all times. Make a habit of choosing fruit juice over dessert, but limit yourself to 1 or 2 glasses a day. Never, ever mix alcohol and sugar.
Most diabetics can drink small amounts of alcohol and still manage their Type 2 diabetes. But if you have a fatty liver or other liver problem, it is best to avoid alcohol, or at least minimize it.
Some doctors believe that it's OK to have a drink or two every day because of alcohol's relaxing qualities and because alcohol raises the 'good' or HDL cholesterol. But these are the rules:
you should not drink alcohol on an empty stomach because it may lead to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels if you do drink alcohol, drink with your meal men... no more than 2 standard drinks a day is recommended with 3 alcohol free days per week ladies... 1 standard drink each day, again with 3 alcohol free days per week
Suggested best choices:
spirits - vodka, gin, scotch, whisky are best consumed either on the rocks, with water or soda water dry red wine
The combination of alcohol and sugar, for example, margaritas, mojitos, and daiquiris, causes ups and downs in blood sugar levels that are very hard to manage. Since high and low blood sugar levels can be just as damaging to good judgment as alcohol consumed in excess, make a point of not indulging both vices at the same time.
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