Q
&A(^) AS
K (^) DR LIN
JA
W
I
My diabetes nurse told me
to watch my blood sugars
when I drink alcohol. Why?
Sultan says: Drinking
alcohol when you have
diabetes can cause a few
problems. Firstly, it contains
calories (even if low carb),
which is not helpful for
losing weight. Secondly,
it can affect BGLs. So let's
discuss why this happens.
The liver stores glucose
as glycogen, so when BGLs
are low it can deliver glucose
back into the bloodstream.
Alcohol, which is processed
in the liver, prevents stored
glucose from entering the
bloodstream when you
need it. Most of the liver’s
glucose releases in the night,
so heading to bed after a big
night out can be dangerous.
Alcohol can cause hypos
for up to 12 hours. It's really
important you do not drink
on an empty stomach or, if
you have low BGLs (hypo),
space drinks and make
sure you test before bed.
Snacking is also good advice
to prevent hypos overnight.
Some medications can be
affected by alcohol. Talk to
your doctor about safe limits
of alcohol and a plan to
follow if you drink.
Dr Sultan Linjawi, endocrinologist
Email your questions to:
[email protected]
Post: Diabetic Living, Q&A: Health,
GPO Box 7805, Sydney, NSW 2001.
How much is TOO MUCH?
The Heart Foundation is encouraging Aussies to rethink the amount
of red meat in their weekly diet. New evidence shows red meat increases
the risk of heart disease and can lead to weight gain. “We have introduced
a limit of less than 350 grams a week for unprocessed beef, lamb, pork
and veal,” explains Professor Garry Jennings, the Heart Foundation’s
chief medical advisor and cardiologist. “That’s around one to three lean
red-meat meals a week, like a Sunday roast and a beef stir-fry.” Make the
switch to heart-healthy proteins, such as fish, beans, tofu and lentils.
Research by the Baker
Heart and Diabetes
Institute has found that
frequently interrupting
sitting time with basic
resistance activities after
a meal can help lower
blood glucose levels. “Body-
weight resistance activities
can be done in a variety of
settings,” said Professor
David Dunstan, Baker’s
head of Physical Activity
Lab. “Moderate to vigorous
activity is associated with
improvement in insulin
resistance, impaired
glucose tolerance and
blood pressure.” Try out
some easy exercises by
turning to page 122.
Break the
after-meal
slump