These three words are being said so often in today's doctor's surgeries.
In 2010 alone there were about 246 million people with diabetes, and in the year 2025 it is projected that 400 million people will have the disease.
These are particularly alarming numbers considering many diabetics are not even aware they have the disease until they experience complications.
Diabetes is a very serious, systemic disease that affects how the body processes sugar.
Sugar, as you know, is the body's fuel...
its main source of energy.
This is what makes diabetes a serious medical condition.
Too much or too little sugar can send your body haywire...
from fainting spells to life threatening complications such as cardiovascular problems and kidney disease.
Newly diagnosed Type 2's, especially those without access to proper medical care, only see this as a threat to their usual diet.
You often hear them complaining of not being able to eat donuts or candy.
They are grossly unaware how small fluctuations in their blood sugar levels can affect them.
One of the most common questions of Type 2 diabetic newbies is about alcohol.
Can they still enjoy a drink even with a diabetes diagnosis? Here is what happens when a normal, healthy person drinks alcohol: alcohol goes directly into your bloodstream, not even bothering to go through the stomach.
The liver needs about 2 hours to metabolize 1 drink.
So, if you drink at a fast pace, the excess alcohol happily joins your bloodstream and goes into organs like your brain.
This is what causes the world renowned alcohol "buzz".
For diabetics on oral hypoglycemic agents such as glyburide or Prandin, alcohol causes the pancreas to make more insulin that may result in very low blood sugar.
Aside from metabolizing alcohol, the liver also plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels.
So, instead on focusing on the more important task, which is blood sugar control, the liver is also doing part time work to metabolize the margarita.
It may be a little embarrassing, but you need to take your blood sugar before, during, and after consuming alcohol.
This is necessary because the symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and excessive drunkenness are very similar.
Whereas sleep and bananas could shake off the hangover, hypoglycemia requires medical intervention.
Eat something before you drink.
An empty stomach, diabetes and alcohol just don't mix.
Food can help slow down alcohol absorption in the stomach.
Bring your glucose tablets or another source of sugar just in case.
Tell your trusted friends about your Type 2 diabetes and the symptoms they should be aware of:
- like irritability
- change in consciousness
- tremors
- cold skin, etc.
A good tip is to have a non-calorie drink by your side like diet soda or water.
Do not drink alcohol just because you feel thirsty! Remember to be honest with your doctor.
Tell him if you regularly consume alcohol so he can adjust your medications.
Having Type 2 diabetes does not mean you have to stop enjoying alcohol...
just remember to put your health as your top priority.