Diabetes and Alcohol Level 2

Diabetes & Alcohol
What is it?
*Limit- yourself, follow what your Physician has outlined for you
*Alcohol- high in calories, empty calorie with no nutritional value
Signs and Symptoms:
*Hypoglycemia- sleepiness, dizziness, disorientation
*Too Much Alcohol- sleepiness, dizziness, disorientation
Medications:
*Lower Blood Glucose- by making more insulin; diabetic pills, insulin,
sulfonylurea, meglitinides (Prandin)
Facts:
*Alcohol- can cause hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) shortly after drinking,
8-12 hours after drinking
*Safe Glucose Level- 100 to 140 mg./dL
What can I do?
*See your Physician- tell him what is going on with you
*See RD for help as needed *See FFF RD on line for help
*AVOID- drinking on an empty stomach or when blood glucose is low
*Check Blood Sugar- before you drink, eat before or while you drink, check
before bedtime or while you drink
*Always- wear an ID bracelet, eat a bedtime snack, eat at regular times daily
*Low- eat something to raise
*Limit- the amount of alcohol, drink with food, sip slowly to make it last, also
have a Sugar Free drink along with the alcohol
*Good Snack Foods- to eat with alcohol are pretzels, fresh vegetables with a
low fat salad dressing, whole wheat crackers, baked chips or snack foods,
low fat yogurt
*AVOID- driving after you drink, arrange for a driver