Living The Good Life With Diabetes
David Mendosa / @davidmendosa , Patient Expert To live a good life with diabetes has to mean first that we control our blood glucose. But it also means enjoying the good things in life. I have had diabetes long enough to take it for granted that I have to control it every day. At the same time I know that I have to make each day as good a day as it can be. For me living the good life with diabetes starts with enjoying the exercise that I know I need at least every other day. Everyone likes to do different things, but the exercise that I like to do most is to walk or hike. It takes me to beautiful places where I can be doing something for myself. Today, for example, I just came back from a mini-vacation and wasnt in the mood to get back to real life. Still, I knew that I needed exercise, so I went right out and hit the trail before 7 a.m. before a shower, coffee, and even breakfast. I decided to reward myself by going on one of my favorite trails where I knew I could get good pictures of a prairie dog colony. The other reward I promised myself was to stop afterwards at my favorite coffee shop for a triple espresso. I had promised myself, and I always keep the promises that I make to myself. Not everyone takes it for granted that people with diabetes can enjoy the good life. I got to thinking about this a couple of weeks ago when a business associate took me out to dinner. He ordered a martini and then I asked the waitress what brands of single malt Scotch whisky they had. My friend, who knows I have diabetes, was surprised that I appreciate fine whisky, which he says that he also drinks when its colder. He was also surprised that I would allow myself a drink of anything. I do enjoy sipping a drink at the end of the day. Plus, alcohol in moderation is actually beneficial Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Alcohol
Tweet There is no need for people with diabetes to give up alcohol simply because of their diabetes. Although alcohol does have an effect on blood sugar levels, with a few precautions and careful management, people with diabetes can also enjoy a drink. There are also alcohol substitutes for those who abstain. In fact, diabetes alcohol guidelines are the same as for the general population. Read about alcohol's effect on blood sugar What are the recommended alcohol guidelines for people with diabetes? The guidelines are two units for women and three units for men. However, it is worth being aware how many units a drink contains. In some cases, a glass of wine will constitute two units, and a pint of beer can even reach three units. How much alcohol do drinks usually contain? If you have diabetes and are wondering how much alcohol you should drink, it is worth reading the following list to see how much alcohol is contained in each type of drink. One unit (approximate measure): 1/2 pint of standard strength beer, lager or cider 1 pub shot/optic/measure (50ml) of sherry or vermouth 1 pub shot/optic/measure of spirit (25 ml), eg gin, vodka or whisky. So if I have diabetes I can drink as usual? Not quite. People with diabetes need to be extra careful with alcohol. Alcohol intake significantly increases the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). If your diabetes is already well under control, a moderate amount of alcohol may be fine either before, during or soon after a meal. Even if you have a drink, this may not influence short-term blood glucose levels. However, there are some precautions to be taken care of. What do I need to be careful of when it comes to diabetes and alcohol? Avoid drinking on an empty stomach, as this will quickly increase the amount of alcohol i Continue reading >>
Effects Of Alcohol Use On Diabetics
Needless to say, alcohol is never healthy and more so if you have diabetes. The effect of alcohol is seldom positive but diabetics who want to enjoy a drink should not be very disappointed. Whiskey has only alcohol content and does not contain sugar; its intake needs to be moderated if not avoided altogether. If you cannot do without alcohol indulgence, you should learn about relation between complications of diabetes and whiskey. Effect of whiskey on diabetes Diabetics can suffer from hypoglycaemia as well as hyperglycaemia. If alcohol is consumed without sugar, it can lead to severe low blood sugar. When the blood sugar level goes below normal, the usual reaction of your liver is production of glucose in order to prevent its deficiency. But, alcohol disrupts this very process. The load on liver in digesting alcohol is so great that it is unable to produce glucose. When alcohol is detoxified in liver, it produces a by product chemical known as NADH which gets stored in there. This NADH restricts the normal production of glucose and increases the chances of hypoglycaemia. It is important to note for diabetics looking to drink that even with moderate alcohol consumption, a hypoglycaemic condition becomes likely. As there is no sugar in most varieties of whiskey, it increases the chances of hypoglycaemia. Who needs to avoid whiskey? The American Diabetes Association warns diabetics against consuming alcohol if they suffer from these conditions: Damage of nerves in arms and legs. High blood pressure. Diabetic eye. Abnormally high level of triglycerides. The important thing to not in this is that even having a light drink can damage the nerves. In diabetics suffering from nerve damage, having alcohol can cause numbness, tingling sensation, burning sensation and pain. Those Continue reading >>
Michael Jackson (writer)
For other people named Michael Jackson, see Michael Jackson (disambiguation) . Jackson in 2004 at Helsinki Beer Festival Michael Jackson's Beer Hunter Rare Beer Club founder Michael James Jackson (27 March 1942 30 August 2007) was an English writer and journalist. He was the author of many influential books about beer and whisky . He was a regular contributor to a number of British broadsheets , particularly The Independent and The Observer . [3] Jackson's books have sold over three million copies worldwide and have been translated into eighteen different languages. [4] He is credited with helping to start a renaissance of interest in beer and breweries worldwide in the 1970s, particularly in the United States. [5] He is also widely credited with popularising the idea of beer styles . [6] His influential television series The Beer Hunter was shown in fifteen different countries. [7] He was as well-versed in malt whisky as he was in beer, and his book Michael Jackson's Malt Whisky Companion (1989) is the best-selling book on the subject in the world. [4] At the time of his death Jackson had been suffering from Parkinson's disease for at least a decade. He did not declare his illness until his symptoms caused some to think he was drunk. [3] Jackson was born in Wetherby , West Riding of Yorkshire. [8] His father had Anglicised his Lithuanian Jewish surname Jakowitz to Jackson. The family moved to Leeds after the war. [8] He went to King James's Grammar School, Almondbury and became a journalist, particularly being associated with Edinburgh , where he first encountered whisky. On his return to London he briefly edited the advertising trade journal Campaign . Michael Jackson became known in beer circles in 1977 when his book The World Guide To Beer was first published. This Continue reading >>
Which Forms Of Alcohol Is Safe For Diabetes
Here are some other ways that alcohol can affect diabetes:-- * 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. MayoClinic.com indicates that B vitamin deficiencies directly affect nerve health and lack of these vitamins as well as vitamin E and niacin, contribute to polyneuropathy. Additionally, excessive use of alcohol can reduce vitamin absorption leading to symptoms of polyneuropathy. Source:-- if you cannot resist the temptation of the taste of wine, try, dealcoholised wine available in many retail shops, as they are permitted under nonalcoholic drinks one commercial brand is "Billbong" from australia. Keep in fridge after opening and use within few days, or else it starts fermenting and generating alcohol again. Unfortunately alcohol is for those who want to be unfortunate in their rest of life. Reading the news papers we find all bad elements whether rape, murder, serious accidents and so on is indulged after intoxication. It is neither recommended in our religions whether Christianity, Islamic, Hindu or others nor under any system of medicines. No doubt alcohol is base for many medicines but never suggested to take it neat or mixed with water. Hence remove it from mind and then gradually reduce to nil practical Continue reading >>
Drinking Alcohol Safely With Diabetes
Alcohol. Yep, some people with diabetes drink it. I do, on occasion. Some argue that drinking alcohol with diabetes isn’t the healthiest choice, but I could say the same thing about diet soda. Whatever your stance on it is, it is something that should be handled with care, especially when you are dealing with diabetes. As anyone with diabetes (or someone who loves a PWD) knows, it is a balancing act. Between food, exercise, hormones and the like, we are constantly chasing that elusive 100 mg/dl on the meter. Alcohol can really throw your blood sugars into a tailspin. Let’s not even start on carbohydrates in your drink. Your liver and its functions are a very big player in how you manage diabetes while drinking. Instead of helping to regulate your blood sugar, your liver is busy metabolizing the alcohol, which can result in some scary lows. Be prepared with glucose tabs and make sure to check regularly if you are having a drink. What to Drink? I like to stick to drinks that don’t have carbohydrates in them: a good red wine, vodka and club soda or Fresca, or an occasional martini are predictable for me. Plus, I don’t have to take any insulin with them which makes it easier. If I am having a beer or something fruity like rum punch, I make sure to limit how much I am having. I once had an endocrinologist tell me that after every 3 drinks make your fourth one with carbs. I don’t know how good that advice was, I don’t follow it… But I do stick to what I know, I test very often, and I make sure to eat something while I am drinking. Bedtime Cautions Yes, you should be cautious before bed even when not drinking but you need to be even more on track of what your blood sugar is when you are. I cannot stress enough to test right before bed (and before you brush your t Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Alcohol: Do The Two Mix? (part 1)
A nice glass of Chianti…a cold beer on a hot summer day…celebrating with a flute of champagne. There are so many ways that alcohol is integrated into both everyday life and special occasions. Granted, not everyone drinks alcohol, but many people do. And when it comes to the question, "Can I drink alcohol if I have diabetes?" the answer is about as clear as that for "Is a low-carb diet good for diabetes?" In other words, the answer really is, "It depends!" It’s important to mention right off the bat that there are certainly many reasons why people should not drink alcohol. Some may be related to diabetes and some may be related to other reasons. Therefore, it’s important to discuss this issue with your health-care provider if you have any doubts or concerns. And if you’re newly diagnosed with diabetes or starting on a new medicine, it’s worthwhile bringing up the topic if your provider doesn’t. While you’d be hard-pressed to find any health organization actually recommending that you drink alcohol, you might take some comfort in knowing that the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association, and even the American Cancer Society agree that drinking alcohol in moderation is certainly not off-limits to most people. But back to diabetes and alcohol. What’s the concern here? And why should some people with diabetes not drink alcohol? To answer these questions, it’s helpful to understand a little bit about how alcohol is processed in the body. The body treats alcohol as a drug, not as a food product. This means that, when you drink any type of alcoholic beverage, your liver kicks into high gear, preparing itself to “detoxify” the body of this “poison” (I’m using these words for dramatic effect). Essentially, the liver has to metabo Continue reading >>
Alcohol And Diabetes: How Does It Affect Blood Sugar Levels?
For many people, a glass of alcohol here and there does not pose a problem. However, for those with health conditions, such as diabetes, alcohol can affect blood sugar levels and pose a health risk. Understanding what you are consuming and how alcohol influences blood glucose levels is particularly important for people with diabetes. Alcohol can interfere with blood sugar levels. People with diabetes should sip drinks slowly and not drink on an empty stomach. Alcohol and the body Alcohol is a depressant; it is classed as a "sedative-hypnotic drug" because it depresses the central nervous system. Every organ in the body can be affected by alcohol. Once consumed, it is rapidly absorbed by the stomach and small intestine and enters the bloodstream. In an average person, the liver can breaks down roughly one standard drink of alcohol per hour. Excess alcohol moves throughout the body. The amount not broken down by the liver is removed by the lungs,kidneys, and skin in urine and sweat. How alcohol affects a person's body depends on how much they consume. At low doses, alcohol can act as a stimulant - people may feel happy, or become talkative. Drinking too much alcohol, however, can impair the body. Alcohol and blood sugar levels A person's overall health plays a big role in how they respond to alcohol. People with diabetes or other blood sugar problems must be careful when consuming alcohol. Alcohol consumption can interfere with blood sugar as well as the hormones needed to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Frequent heavy drinkers can wipe out their energy storage in a few hours. Over time, excessive alcohol consumption can reduce the overall effectiveness of insulin. This results in high blood sugar levels. Many people with alcoholic liver disease also have either gluc Continue reading >>
Fitting Alcohol Into Your Meal Plan
The use of alcohol should be discussed with your physician and healthcare team. As a general guideline, for persons using insulin, two alcoholic beverages may be used in addition to their regular meal plan. No food should be omitted in exchange for an alcoholic drink. For persons who are not on insulin and are watching their weight, alcohol is best substituted for fat choices and in some cases extra bread/starch choices. Some alcoholic beverages contain higher amounts of sugar and carbohydrate — these include sweet wines, sweet vermouth and wine coolers. Use these sparingly as they may increase your blood glucose levels too much. Additional guidelines for the use of alcohol are printed below. Beverage Amount Calories Carbo- Equal to: hydrate (gms) ------------------------------------------------------------- Beer Regular beer 12 ounces 150 14 1 starch & 1-1/2 fats Light beer 12 ounces 100 6 2 fats Nonalcoholic beer 11 ounces 50 10 1 starch Distilled spirits 1.5 ounces 105 trace 2 fats 86 proof (gin, rum vodka, whiskey, scotch, bourbon) Wine red table or rose 4 ounces 85 1.0 2 fats dry white 4 ounces 80 .4 2 fats sweet wine 2 ounces 90 6.5 1/2 starch & 1-1/2 fats light wine 4 ounces 55 1.3 1 fat wine coolers 12 ounces 190 22.0 1-1/2 fruit & 3 fat champagne 4 ounces 100 3.6 2 fats sherry 2 ounces 75 1.5 1-1/2 fats sweet sherry/port 2 ounces 95 7.0 1/2 starch & 1-1/2 fats Vermouths dry 3 ounces 105 4.2 2 fats sweet 3 ounces 140 13.9 1 starch & 2 fats General Guidelines for the Use of Alcohol Alcoholic beverages are a common part of our social lives. Each adult must decide whether or not to use alcohol. When making this decision, you should understand what the potential effects of alcohol are on your health. Although alcohol has little effect on blood glucose control, it Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Alcohol
With your doctor's permission, you may enjoy alcohol in moderation. Moderation is defined as no more than one drink per day for women; no more than two drinks per day for men. Here are some guidelines for drinking alcohol for people with diabetes: Check with your doctor before drinking any alcoholic beverages. Discuss the safety and possible side effects of mixing alcohol and your medicines. Never drink on an empty stomach. Drink alcohol with food to avoid low blood sugar reactions. Do not drink alcohol before, during, or after exercise. Wear diabetes identification if drinking away from home in case of a low blood sugar reaction or any other emergency. Limit your alcohol consumption if you are overweight to help control calories. Avoid alcohol if you are pregnant or if you have any of the following: One drink equals 4 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1 ounce of distilled spirits. Pure Distilled Liquors (1 ounce) (Bourbon, Brandy, Gin, Rum, Scotch, Tequila, Vodka, Whiskey, etc.) 80 proof Calories: 65 Carbs: 0 90 proof Calories: 74 Carbs: 0 100 proof Calories: 83 Carbs: 0 Other drinks (4 ounces) Daiquiri Calories: 224 Carbs: 8 Manhattan Calories: 256 Carbs: 4 Martini Calories: 250 Carbs: 0 Red Wine Calories: 80 Carbs: 2 Tequila Sunrise Calories: 125 Carbs: 13 White Wine Calories: 80 Carbs: 1 Beer (12 ounces) Amstel® Light Calories: 95 Carbs: 5 Bud Light® Calories: 110 Carbs: 6.6 Coors Light® Calories: 102 Carbs: 5 Corona® Light Calories: 105 Carbs: 5 Guinness® Stout Calories: 125 Carbs: 9.9 Michelob® Ultra Calories: 95 Carbs: 2.6 Miller Lite® Calories: 96 Carbs: 3.2 Sam Adams Light® Calories: 124 Carbs: 9.7 Liqueurs (1 ounce) Amaretto Calories: 80 Carbs: 17 Baileys® Calories: 75 Carbs: 5.5 Kahlua® Calories: 120 Carbs: 17 Triple Sec Calories: 80 Carbs: 12.5 Continue reading >>
Alcohol And Diabetes
Consult your physician to determine what alcohol consumption limits you, personally, should not exceed. Alcohol is everywhere: at family reunions, picnics, even around sports fields. But people with diabetes need to take precautions when it comes to alcohol consumption. Here are some tips to help you make informed choices. Your body and alcohol The Canadian Diabetes Association 2013 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes in Canada recommends that people with diabetes limit their consumption of alcohol based on the same recommendation for the general public: Women: A maximum of 2 alcoholic drinks per day A maximum of 10 alcoholic drinks per week Men: A maximum of 3 drinks per day A maximum of 15 alcoholic drinks per week One alcoholic drink is the equivalent of: 340 mL (12 oz.) of beer (5% alcohol) 140 mL (5 oz.) of wine vin (red or white) at 12% alcohol 85 mL (3 oz.) of fortified wine (ex.: port) at 20% alcohol 45 mL (1.5 oz.) of spirits at 40% alcohol If you suffer from high blood pressure, have a high triglyceride level in your blood, have liver or neurological problems, it would be better to limit your consumption of alcohol. When in doubt, consult your physician to determine what alcohol consumption limits you, personally, should not exceed. Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach! Alcohol has a hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) effect because it prevents the liver from producing sugar when foods don’t supply enough of it. This phenomenon can happen when drinking alcohol on its own, as an aperitif, for example. Drinking alcohol when taking insulin or insulin secretagogue medication* puts you at extra risk of hypoglycemia. A hypoglycemic episode under such conditions can be very serious because your body, while it is metabolizing the Continue reading >>
Top 7 Surprising Benefits Of Whiskey
The health benefits of whiskey include its ability to aid in weight loss, slow down the onset of dementia, improve heart health, prevent and manage diabetes, increase good cholesterol, fight against cancer, eliminate blood clots, and strengthen the immune system. Generally, whiskey is one of the healthiest forms of alcohol available. When people think of whiskey (also known as whisky), there are countless images that come to mind. Hard-drinking cowboys in old movies taking shots before barroom brawls, prohibition-era speakeasies from Chicago to New York or just that overwhelming smell of whiskey as it fills your head and sends chills down your spine. People tend to have a love-hate relationship with this particular form of alcohol, but if everyone knew of the health benefits it contains, many of them would likely change their tune and ask the bartender for one more whiskey, neat. What is Whiskey? By definition, whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage that is made of some type of grain mash. The quality, flavor, price, and name of the whiskey in question depend on which type of grain you might be making your whiskey from, including barley, wheat, rye, corn, buckwheat, etc. Different types of whiskeys are produced from different whole grains using pot stills or column stills. The processes are very similar, but the taste is distinctly different and preferred in different parts of the world. Finally, the method of storing and aging, which is usually done in cask barrels, also determines the quality and flavor of whiskey. A rye whiskey aged for 10 years in a charred white oak cask will taste completely different from a barley whiskey aged for 15 years in a wine cask, which some distilleries choose to do. This results in a massive variety of whiskeys throughout the world a Continue reading >>
Diabetes & Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can lead to serious low blood sugar reactions. Alcohol can also affect diabetic nerve damage, eye disease, and high blood triglycerides. You may wonder if drinking alcohol is safe for people with diabetes. If you drink alcohol, there are some things you need to know first about alcohol safety. Is it Safe to Drink Alcohol? Check with your doctor to make sure alcohol doesn’t interfere with your medications or complicate any of your medical conditions. Drinking alcohol can lead to serious low blood sugar reactions, especially if you take insulin or types of diabetes pills that stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas. Alcohol can also affect other medical conditions you may have, like diabetic nerve damage, diabetic eye disease, and high blood triglycerides. Get guidelines for alcohol use from your medical provider. How Much Alcohol Can I Drink? If you choose to drink alcohol, drink in moderation. Limit your intake of alcohol to no more than one serving per day for women, and no more than two servings per day for men. One serving size of alcohol equals: 12 ounces of beer 5 ounces of wine 1½ ounces of distilled spirits (such as rum, whiskey, gin, etc.) Alcohol and Risk of Low Blood Sugar If you are managing your diabetes with diet and exercise alone, drinking alcohol can stil increase your risk of low blood sugars. And if you take insulin or types of diabetes pills that stimulate insulin production, drinking alcohol can lead to even more serious low blood sugar reactions. Normally, the liver releases glucose to maintain blood sugar levels. But when you drink alcohol, the liver is busy breaking the alcohol down, so it does a poor job of releasing glucose into the bloodstream. This can lead to a drop in blood sugar levels if you are drinking alco Continue reading >>
Diabetics & Whiskey
Having diabetes means you must be vigilant about closely monitoring your diet, but if you find yourself at a bar with friends, don't throw caution to the wind. Although diabetics can safely consume spirits because they're low in calories, be careful about enjoying whiskey in a mixed drink. Many types of mixers are high in calories, but by switching your mixer for a diet version -- using diet ginger ale instead of regular ginger ale, for example -- you can safely avoid consuming too many calories. Video of the Day Diabetics should practice moderation when planning to consume an alcohol such as whiskey, according to the American Diabetes Association. Although whiskey doesn't contain any carbohydrates and the ADA reports that alcohol leads to minimal change in your blood glucose, the organization still recommends that diabetic women should consume only one alcoholic beverage per day. Men can consume two. One serving of whiskey is 1.5 ounces, which is a standard serving size. The ADA recommends only drinking alcohol when you're effectively managing your blood glucose and drinking a calorie-free beverage such as water at the same time. Avoid mixed drinks, as they often contain high-sugar, high-calorie mixers. Continue reading >>
South Florida Nights Magazine Events Today
Speaking Sustainably Film Series at Deering Estate Wednesday, March 28, 7pm-9pm Deering Estate, 16701 Southwest 72nd Avenue, Miami As part of the Speaking Sustainably Film Series, South Florida PBS (WPBT2 WXEL) and the Deering Estate invite you to a complimentary reception and screening of The Future of Seafood on Wednesday, March 28th at 7pm at the Deering Estate Visitor Center Theatre. Reception begins at 7pm with light snacks and beverages. The screening will begin at 7:30pm. Following the screening guests can participate in a Q&A with experts from the University of Miamis Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science and Open Blue Cobia. Event is free and open to the public. @DeeringEstate @changingseas January 13 May 23, 1pm-4pm 1100 Block Stage,1100 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach Lincoln Road , the iconic pedestrian promenade, recognized as the cultural and social heart of Miami Beach, continues to add to its lineup of world-class shopping, dining and cultural pursuit options. In 2018, Lincoln Road will welcome an ongoing line-up of live performances and events with its newly debuted Live on Lincoln series. Presented by the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District, Live on Lincoln will feature live performances by the South Beach Chamber Ensemble, interactive Tango opportunities, live performances by New World Symphony Fellows following the Symphonys WALLCAST Performances and live jazz, blues, pop and world music performances on the 1100 Lincoln Road stage every Saturday & Sunday, from 1 pm to 4 pm through May.All performances are free and open to public.#onLincoln @lncolnrd Wednesday, March 28, 7pm-9pm The Standard Spa, 40 Island Ave, Miami Beach Celebrate the future of fitness on the water with Schiller Bikes. Test it out for yourself with a demonstration in the Continue reading >>
