Is drinking alcohol regularly harmful to diabetic patient?

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[arundhatip]

While moderate amounts of alcohol can cause blood sugar to rise, excess alcohol can actually decrease your blood sugar level -- sometimes causing it to drop into dangerous levels.

Beer and sweet wine contain carbohydrates and may raise blood sugar.

Alcohol stimulates your appetite, which can cause you to overeat and may affect your blood sugar control.

Alcohol can interfere with the positive effects of oral diabetes medicines or insulin.

Alcohol may increase triglyceride levels.

Alcohol may increase blood pressure.

Alcohol can cause flushing, nausea, increased heart rate, and slurred speech.

Diabetes and Alcohol Consumption Dos and Don'ts

People with diabetes should follow these alcohol consumption guidelines:

Do not drink more than two drinks of alcohol in a one-day period. (Example: one alcoholic drink = 5-ounce glass of wine, 1 1/2-ounce "shot" of liquor or 12-ounce beer).

Drink alcohol only with food.

Drink slowly.

Avoid "sugary" mixed drinks, sweet wines, or cordials.

Mix liquor with water or diet soft drinks.