You probably already know that some benefits can come from drinking moderate amounts of alcohol, but what about drinking with diabetes? New research shows that a moderate intake of alcohol can actually help lower your fasting glucose levels.
A study out of Israel looked at 91 people with type 2 diabetes who had previously not drunk alcohol. For the study, these people drank a moderate amount of alcohol and, after three months, the researchers found that the participants' fasting glucose levels fell by an average of 22 mg/dl.
In someone with diabetes, alcohol actually lowers that person's blood glucose level. This happens because when alcohol goes into the liver to be detoxified, the liver cannot make more glucose (as it normally does) as long as it's busy processing the alcohol.
Alcohol has also been shown to temporarily increase insulin sensitivity, which again helps to lower glucose levels. This is why you should always drink alcohol with food and never on an empty stomach.
Still, for the person with diabetes, alcohol definitely has its pros and cons. Some of the known benefits of moderate alcohol intake include decreased insulin resistance, lower triglycerides, increased HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol), and lower blood pressure.
One downside of drinking, on the other hand, is that alcohol can increase triglycerides in people who already have elevated triglycerides. Another con of drinking excessive amounts of alcohol: Not only can it impair your judgment concerning your diabetes care, but it can also worsen symptoms of neuropathy, or nerve disease.
Moderate alcohol intake, by the way, means two drinks for a man and one drink for a woman each day. One drink equals 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits, five ounces of wine, or 12 ounces of beer.
Moderate alcohol intake can actually improve your glucose levels, but make sure to discuss any alcohol intake with your doctor and other health care professionals. If they know of no contraindications, then enjoy a glass of wine with your dinner.