Diabetes and Alcohol

[Chattyaholic]

For those of you with diabetes, do you ever have an alcoholic drink, and if so what kind do you drink? I am an "occasional" drinker, like at a birthday celebration, New Year's Eve, on a cruise...etc. and I'm just wondering what the best choice would be for me. I take 500mg of glucophage in the morning, not sure if the type of medication or dosage matters, but just thought I'd mention it. We will be cruising again in January and I'm just wondering if I can have "the drink of the day."

 

[Pixie_Dust]

Dear Chatty,

Of course you know the "best choice" is no alcohol, which is the simplest sugar of all and therefore the worst in terms of the glycemic index. My dad has diabetes, and it worries me when he cheats on his diet. But if you are going to have a drink, we discovered Michelob Ultra at an Anheiser Busch park. It has less carbs than any beer. (Sugars are simple carbohydrates.)

Cheers

 

[Chattyaholic]

Pixie - yeah, I know the "best choice" is no alcohol and that's what I will choose MOST of the time.

But the doctor has told me that I will probably be able to reverse my diabetic symptoms once the weight comes off (17 pounds so far!) and I continue to exercise and I will probably be able to get off the medication completely so an "occasional" alcoholic drink shouldn't be "too bad" for me, but I WOULD like to make a "good choice" when choosing one so that's why I'm asking other diabetics this question.

I'm not much of a beer drinker, have always preferred something more exotic like a Bahama Mama, daquiri, margarita, etc. but I have heard that wine isn't too bad of a choice, so maybe a white wine spritzer or something? I dunno....that's why I'm asking.

 

[Pixie_Dust]

Chatty,

Yeah, I knew you wanted to hear from other diabetics but I had to tell you about that low-carb drink we found just in case that was helpful

I agree, however, I prefer those "exotic" drinks too. I even looked up the Bahama Mama recipe online earlier this year. I found so many variations that we did a "taste test" and I developed a "favorite recipe." From a non-sugary standpoint, however, I like your idea of white wine or a spritzer.

Congratulations on your weight loss - that's something I have to work on so as not to develop adult-onset diabetes personally. DH is interested in starting the Atkins diet because some people where he works have had success on it, but I'm saying let's wait until after our WDW vacation. Going to all those cool restaurants is a big part of the trip for me, and I don't want to be on a restrictive diet when we go

 

[Rexfan]

This isn't very tropical, but my diabetic friend recommends a gin w. diet tonic. Good luck on reversing your symptoms!