9. Alcohol
It’s important to avoid alcohol if you have diabetes. Although having an occasional drink is not necessarily harmful, it can cause blood sugar levels to rise or drop. Consuming too much alcohol can also interfere with the effectiveness of diabetes medications.
Alcohol is a major source of empty calories, and drinking too much can lead to weight gain and an increase in blood sugar levels. For people with type 2 diabetes, regular or excessive alcohol can impair the body’s ability to use insulin effectively, raising the risk of complications. Additionally, alcohol can affect the liver’s ability to keep blood sugar levels in check.
Alcohol also increases the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). If you have diabetes, drinking alcohol can cause your blood sugar to drop too low. This can lead to confusion, dizziness, seizures, and even loss of consciousness.
If you have diabetes, it’s important to discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor. Depending on your individual situation, your doctor may recommend limiting your alcohol intake or abstaining altogether