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Alcohol?

curlyk

curlyk

Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Pronouns
She/Her
Hi everyone,

I’m type 2 and taking 1500mg of metformin daily.

With Christmas approaching, how do you manage drinking wine?

I tend not to drink any alcohol anyway, and haven’t since I’ve been diagnosed but if I wanted a glass or two with Christmas dinner - do I just drink water alongside? Or is it best to just avoid as I’m on medication?

In honesty, I probably won’t but would like a ‘plan of action’ if I do, so that I can continue to manage this more effectively.
 
@curlyk I would have thought a couple of glasses preferably with food would do no harm. When I was diagnosed in July I wasn't drinking much. Probably a glass of wine with a meal a week when i was attending a language class. If i went to the nearby pasta place id have wine but other places tea or coffee. Sadly pasta place has currently been ditched by me. I noticed my surgery had me as 4 units a week which was an over estimate. I think it's probably because I rarely go to pubs. I used to enjoy a half or two of local beer but realise I haven't had any this year. My sister is fond of Baileys and would buy me a bottle of baileys and tin of Quality Street for Christmas Not happening this year. I haven't told her I haven't started last years Baileys. I did have a glass of wine at my local pub when they had a street food truck doing paella in August then had a mini binge end of October when I stayed in a city hotel for 4 nights after my cataract op in case of complications and had lunches in restaurants I like so 3 glasses of wine. The last was a Sunday lunch in a pub and I ordered a glass of wine. Prediabetes I would have had half a pint.

In each case I ordered water too partly to take my metformin but also to stay hydrated. In the French restaurant I went to in the past I would have had a glass of red wine _ i had celeriac remoulade followed by steak. But new me no pudding and chose white wine. In all cases I chose dry white as I assumed the less sugar the better.

Last Saturday some friends drove up from London to a country pub and asked what I'd like to drink and I said a dry white. Prediabetes I would have had half a pint. I think if I'd thought more I would just have had water. Last time we ate out together, I had water. They don't usually drink. It was my birthday so I said it without thinking.

It really depends what other options are available to you. Some soft drinks are quite sweet. Most places would serve tea or coffee. If you are visiting family or friends you could sound out what options are available. At Christmas we used to like after midnight mass ginger wine topped up with some hot water and a warm mince pie. I haven't had ginger wine for a few years
 
Hello! Although Type 1 I had Metformin added for a while. Ultimately it was of no help to me as it acted more as a laxative! Alcohol seemed to increase this effect! Also alcohol (unless fortified or liqueurs) tends to lower BG - have you a BG meter? The other thing to consider is any other medications you ae taking particularly BP, strong pain killers, anti-depressants, etc. You are unlikely to be able to run it by a GP at this late stage but it is always worth talking with your pharmacist. Good luck and Merry Christmas!
 
As type 2, wine will have little impact on levels when you drink it. I always do the Zebra method, a few alcoholic drinks then none-alcoholic, and as you say water. But a few glasses when you eat won't cause too much issue.

As @MikeyBikey said it tends to lower BG (usually during the night/early morning) afterwards so keep an eye out for that, if you have a BG meter test more.

It is one day, so yes think about D but also enjoy what you would like. Life is about balance. No point being alive but miserable
 
Hope you enjoy your Christmas Tipple @curlyk, and have no negative effects.

I’ll certainly be having a glass or two myself, and a compulsory ‘chopping sherry’ while prepping sprouts with the Christmas tunes in full swing :D
 
i will have one glass with dinner and thats it and it will be non alcaholic (sorry wrong spellingg)
 
Thank you for all of your kind words and advice.

As it turns out, I am now the designated driver! But, it gives me excellent advice for if I ever decide to have an alcoholic beverage in the future.

Merry Christmas everyone, hope you all have a gorgeous day doing whatever you choose ❤️
 
curlyk said:
Thank you for all of your kind words and advice.

As it turns out, I am now the designated driver! But, it gives me excellent advice for if I ever decide to have an alcoholic beverage in the future.

Merry Christmas everyone, hope you all have a gorgeous day doing whatever you choose ❤️
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You too @curlyk ! Merry Christmas.

I am full of a cold and we are hosting with family staying over so I hope it goes by tomorrow
 
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