Beware of diabetes Decreasing blood sugar levels due to too much alcohol

Diabetics should stay sober on Carnival
Doctors basically warn all people to drink little or no alcohol. In particular, this applies to diabetics. For those affected, there are some things to consider at times of carnival.

Alcohol can be dangerous for diabetics
During the foolish days, even many people who otherwise do not eat very often drink a lot of alcoholic drinks. This is basically unhealthy for all people. Alcohol is especially problematic for people with diabetes. For them, it can be dangerous because alcohol lowers the blood sugar level. Diabetics should therefore pay attention to a few things during Carnival - and ideally just stay sober.

For diabetics, alcohol consumption is particularly risky. (Image: 6okean / fotolia.com)

Risk of hypoglycaemia threatens
The non-profit organization diabetesDE - German Diabetes Aid points out in a press release that diabetics should be very reluctant to Carnival. Since alcoholic drinks lower blood sugar levels, this can quickly lead to low blood sugar in combination with blood sugar lowering drugs or insulin. First symptoms of low blood sugar include tremors, excessive sweating, inner restlessness and nervousness.

If necessary, adjust insulin dose
"Anyone who drinks alcohol while celebrating should always have a snack rich in carbohydrates," advises Dr. Dieter. med. Jens Kroeger, board member of diabetesDE - German Diabetes Aid and established diabetologist from Hamburg-Bergedorf. In addition, it is necessary to control the blood sugar level more often and adjust the insulin dose if necessary. Therefore, it is important to remain sober: "Glucose metering and insulin syringes must be possible at any time without any problems," said the expert. And diabetics should also be cautious when it comes to sweets: "Especially carnival-typical specialties such as sweets and donuts contain a lot of sugar and fat," Dr. Kröger. (Ad)