Pre Diabetic and beer/lager

[jned2]

Just been told by the GP that recent blood tests confirm that I'm pre diabetic. I'm by no means a heavy drinker but do like the occasional beer or lager. I've read on line that the odd drink every now and then should be ok? Just wondering which brands to definitely avoid and which are deemed "OK" in moderation? I'm not a wine or spirits drinker.

[mike9009]

I'm a T1 diabetic.

More or less all alcohol will increase my blood sugars but they then tend to nose dive in the early hours.

If your drinking is genuinely occasional, I would look at what you are eating more regularly through the week and your weight/ exercise routines.

Basically don't focus on one element of your lifestyle (unless it is out of control) - you need a more rounded approach. I am surprised you haven't been referred to a dietician to help....

[Chrishum]

Light beers/lagers are generally okay as in they’re low in sugar compared to others.

[Red9zero]

Switch to G&T. I did, on the advice of my diabetic nurse.

[Welshbeef]

Cider ..... that’s the kicker.

The weight you add drinking cider over beer (same quantity over a year changes your body)

[jned2]

Many thanks for the replies, I've taken on board the advice about overall life style, exercise, weight, consulting a dietitian etc.Occasional light beers and lagers backs up what I've read on the web and ciders are to be avoided. Any other do's and don'ts gratefully accepted.

[mike9009]

Try to avoid sweet stuff obviously, but 'heavy' carbs (pizza for example) are a killer for blood sugars too.

Try some low carb meals, there are some 'decent' options. Chicken Caesar salads, try cauliflower rice, fish (poached salmon), olives, sun-dried tomatoes, veg. Searching the internet can show some stuff you'll enjoy. I try doing this twice or so a week. Don't go full throttle on it, you'll need small increments rather than Big Bang. Hopefully that way it just becomes part of life rather than a chore. (Note - I am not really a shining example of all this and do have numerous lapses having been diabetic for 40 years -last night I had a full pack of Pringles to watch the rugby!!!)

Try to avoid fruit, although it is packed with good stuff, it is also packed with fructose which will spike your sugar levels putting strain on an under performing pancreas.

Wholemeall pasta, rice, bread is a slower burn so less demanding on your pancreas than their white alternatives.

I am summarising an entire career in a few lines, so a dietician will help you immeasurably..... Do be overly honest with them though, but be wary they don't get focussed on your 'Pringle' habit once a month rather than your overall diet and health....

My Dad recently turned around a pre diabetic condition, relatively easily by cutting out desserts and cakes which my mum used to lavish on him. He was fit (cycled everywhere and gardened) but was putting too much strain on his pancreas with these high, fast acting carbs. He is fine again now.

Good luck....

[NGRhodes]

jned2 said:

Many thanks for the replies, I've taken on board the advice about overall life style, exercise, weight, consulting a dietitian etc.Occasional light beers and lagers backs up what I've read on the web and ciders are to be avoided. Any other do's and don'ts gratefully accepted.

Not knowing what your current diet and exercise levels, if you don't do already, just sticking to a healthy balanced diet and moderate level of exercise can do wonders (this is pretty much all my dad has to do to keep things under control).
Its very important to learn to keep track of your food consumption, you can have some bad stuff, but you need to be careful to balance things out through the day. So if you know you are having Pizza for tea, adjust your breakfast and lunch to compensate.
Just watch out, some things like concentrated orange juice which are "healthy", contain a lot of sugars.