Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
I Am Moderate Diabetic, Blood Pressure Normal. Is There Any Problem?
Question: I am a moderate diabetic....H1bc varying between 6.5 and 7.1 over last few years. I enjoy 2 pegs of scotch ever day. Is that ok? My Bp is fine, no other health issues.
Dear XXXXXXX
Well your diabetic status is quite ok as ok as you have mentioned.
Regarding the alcohol intake i must give you the following facts.
One to two drings amounting to 20 grams of alcohol is considerd benefician for heart and protects against heart attacks.
Hiwever, ther is a catch. Diabetes itself is a risk factor for heart disases. And in such situations, any amount of alcohol is going to increase the risk further. However, some studies still support mild intake.
My recommendation to you is to not to increase the intake ever.
If you can reduce it to every alternate day, it will be great.
Start doing some kind of exercise such that the risks ar minimised.
So enjoy your scotch in moderation.
Hope this answers your concern.
De get back if you need any further information.
Sincerely.
Dr Kiran
Well your diabetic status is quite ok as ok as you have mentioned.
Regarding the alcohol intake i must give you the following facts.
One to two drings amounting to 20 grams of alcohol is considerd benefician for heart and protects against heart attacks.
Hiwever, ther is a catch. Diabetes itself is a risk factor for heart disases. And in such situations, any amount of alcohol is going to increase the risk further. However, some studies still support mild intake.
My recommendation to you is to not to increase the intake ever.
If you can reduce it to every alternate day, it will be great.
Start doing some kind of exercise such that the risks ar minimised.
So enjoy your scotch in moderation.
Hope this answers your concern.
De get back if you need any further information.
Sincerely.
Dr Kiran
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you Dr XXXXXXX ..the advice to reduce it to alternate day is something i will try. Thanks for the prompt response....and this service is excellent.
But I am confused by one of your points you have made...at one level, you suggest drinking in moderation is good for the heart...but in another you mention "Diabetes itself is a risk factor for heart disases. And in such situations, any amount of alcohol is going to increase the risk further XXXXXXX Logically it should reduce the risk! grateful if you could help me understand.
Further...my annual medical check ups over the years reveal "fatty liver"...my doctors never seem concerned about that (all my other liver function tests are normal), nor do they give any medicine for it. Does this condition have any connection to alcohol intake ? Are there any ways to pro-actively take care of the liver...i understand alcohol stresses the liver, but i also read Liver is perhaps the fastest regenerating part of the body...how can i compensate my liver for the alcohol in take :-)
Thank you!
But I am confused by one of your points you have made...at one level, you suggest drinking in moderation is good for the heart...but in another you mention "Diabetes itself is a risk factor for heart disases. And in such situations, any amount of alcohol is going to increase the risk further XXXXXXX Logically it should reduce the risk! grateful if you could help me understand.
Further...my annual medical check ups over the years reveal "fatty liver"...my doctors never seem concerned about that (all my other liver function tests are normal), nor do they give any medicine for it. Does this condition have any connection to alcohol intake ? Are there any ways to pro-actively take care of the liver...i understand alcohol stresses the liver, but i also read Liver is perhaps the fastest regenerating part of the body...how can i compensate my liver for the alcohol in take :-)
Thank you!
Dear XXXXXXX
As i said diabetes is a risk factor for heart disease. So is alcohol.
Alcohol however also protects heart. In those who already have risk factors like diabetes, the protection may not be signficant and harm might be more. That why the cause of concern.
So, we advice all diabetics to either stop or to moderte the alcohol intake.
Regarding fatty liver. Both alcohol and diabetes lead to fatty liver. There is no drug for this. However, regular exercise and weight loss would help to reduce the fatty liver.
Regards,
Dr Kiran
As i said diabetes is a risk factor for heart disease. So is alcohol.
Alcohol however also protects heart. In those who already have risk factors like diabetes, the protection may not be signficant and harm might be more. That why the cause of concern.
So, we advice all diabetics to either stop or to moderte the alcohol intake.
Regarding fatty liver. Both alcohol and diabetes lead to fatty liver. There is no drug for this. However, regular exercise and weight loss would help to reduce the fatty liver.
Regards,
Dr Kiran
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
