Can a Diabetic Drink Beer?

When there is a match going on and everybody is at the edge of their seat with a beer in hand, it sets the mood. When your favorite team scores a goal or makes the match-winning run, yelling “Cheers!” with your friends is a priceless feeling. The beverage itself may not be the first choice but the memories attached to it are often with friends and loved ones. A person may indulge in other alcohol alone, but you will rarely see a person having a beer alone. It is that feeling of bonding that makes one want to indulge in this beverage. But what can you do when you have to look out for your own health? A cold glass of this beverage can be refreshing on a hot summer's day. So, the question to be asked is, Does beer have sugar? “Is beer good for diabetes?” And can they have a beer? 

Is Beer good for Diabetes?

What is the effect of beer on diabetes? Contrary to the myth, people with diabetes need not shun alcohol completely. Some studies have suggested that light drinking (no more than one drink for the ladies and two drinks for the gentleman a day) can be beneficial to health. Alcohol has an impact on the liver. The liver processes the food items you eat and breaks them down to glucose, which is then introduced into your system gradually. However, after the consumption of alcohol, the liver stops the food items and concentrates only on the alcohol. It can lead to a dangerous situation if you are on insulin or any other medications. Know about high blood sugar symptoms.

Is it safe to drink with Diabetes?

Drinking with diabetes can be dangerous if done irresponsibly. In a sense, it is safe for people with diabetes to consume beer provided they remember these points given below. They will ensure that the alcohol content in beer does not cause any harm.

• Ensure you have checked your blood sugar levels before you start drinking.
• Do not drink on an empty stomach and have a meal at least an hour before you start drinking.
• Ensure you are well hydrated and continue drinking water while having alcohol as well.
• Instead of rushing to finish your drink, it is advisable to sip on it and have it gradually.
• Keep munching on something when you are drinking. Ensure you are consuming diabetes-friendly food items even while tipsy. 
• Keep checking your blood sugar levels after drinking for the next 24 hours at least.
• Since beer is rarely mixed with any other drink don't forget to account for the amount of alcohol that is going in your body.
• Make sure your medication is safe to consume around the time you are drinking and they both do not react negatively. If you are unsure about the same then consult with your doctor. 

Just like all other times, anyone who is drinking a pint of beer should enjoy it responsibly. A good way to ensure you are safe is to go with friends who are aware of what to do in case of a medical emergency. If you are comfortable, you can wear a medical alert bracelet to alert the people around you in case you are not coherent and you need help.

How much is too much?

If you are wondering “Can people with diabetes drink beer?” Then the answer is yes. It can be done provided the precautions are taken. Alcohol consumption recommendations are the same for everyone. You can enjoy it without damaging your health or putting your body through stress. Binge drinking should be avoided at all costs, as people with diabetes are more vulnerable to health issues. Anything more than two drinks a day can be harmful. It can be particularly harmful if you are drinking the entire quota of beer in the matter of a few hours. If you are at a party or at an event then don't overindulge because of the ambiance or peer pressure. When we are talking about one drink it means a pint of beer which is generally 330 ml to 350 ml. If you have gotten a big glass of beer or a tower of beer then don't forget to set your limits. It can be difficult to measure the exact amount you are drinking if it is not a can or a bottle. However, try to gauge the amount of beer you are consuming to avoid any issues.

Is Beer high in Carbs?

The term “beer belly” is widely used when one has a bulging belly. Due to this, it has been commonly accepted that beer has a high number of calories. The truth is beer is higher in carbs than other alcoholic drinks like wine or any distilled beverage. However, the content of carbs in beer can vary depending on the type of beer. This means the alcohol and the carb content can differ from company to company as well as from country to country. Light beer generally has fewer carbs than the stronger or premium ones. Beer cans and bottles do not come with nutritional facts on the bottle however you can find out the nutritional components online.

A can of beer can contain up to 150 calories. It also contains about 15 grams of carbohydrates. These calories do not come with any other nutritional components like vitamins, proteins, fats, and minerals. Beer also contains some amount of sugar which is used as a medium for fermentation. Depending on your sensitivity to the insulin you may need to plan your meals accordingly on the day you decide to drink. To avoid hypoglycemia, you should stop drinking as soon as you feel you are getting tipsy. Light beers have up to 30% fewer calories and 80% fewer carbs than regular beers. Beers contain malt corn, syrup, and a lot of other ingredients that add to the carb content. Some brands have introduced 0 calorie beers as well.

Bottomline

You must have thought about, can people with diabetes drink beer? Indulging in a pint of beer can be harmless provided you are aware of your body and your medication reacts to bear. The best way to go about indulging in beer is to consult with your doctor and get their opinion on dos and don'ts. Take into consideration your carbohydrate and sugar consumption throughout the day before having a beer. Don't forget to account for the nutritional content in the munchies accompanying your drink. Beer is a fermented alcoholic beverage that is one of the safer beverages people with diabetes can indulge in. If your blood sugar fluctuates and it becomes high or very low it may affect your body adversely.