As a diabetic, or an acquaintance of one, you are likely familiar with the foods and drinks that should and should not be consumed. If you are like anyone else that is a diabetic or that knows a diabetic, you probably wonder whether or not wine falls into the category of drinks that should be avoided.
Many studies that have been published over the years have determined that a moderate consumption of wine on a daily basis can actually benefit one’s cardiovascular health. However, is it the same with diabetics?
Most diabetics are informed not to consume alcohol, which does unfortunately include wine. However, some doctors – and even experts – will tell you that small amounts of wine consumption are okay. Dr. Getaneh at Every Day Health states that you should drink alcohol, as well as wine, with food and limit your intake to about 35 ounces of wine per week, – and WebMD agrees – which balances out to a five-ounce glass of wine daily. The reason that you should consume wine and alcohol with food is to ensure you do not experience low blood sugar after consumption as hypoglycemia can occur up to an hour after consumption.
A study published in the Journal of Food Biochemistry in February 2009 stated that red wine – as well as tea – may actually help those suffering from Type 2 diabetes to metabolize sugars and starches more efficiently, which is just one of the reasons why wine is beneficial to those with diabetes.
Sweet Wine vs. Dry Wine
According to WebMD, sweet wines do not come highly recommended and that is because of their high levels of sugar content. However, just because they do not come recommended, it doesn’t mean that you have to remove them from your wine rack. So that your (a diabetic’s) blood sugar does not drastically change, sweet wine can be consumed, but sipped at a slow pace.
Dry wine contains virtually no sugar at all and the amount of calories is minimal. Therefore, the American Diabetes Association permits dry wine consumptions for diabetics. Dry wine is relatively low in carbs with the negative alcohol affects being quite minimal on a diabetic. The negative effects generally only come from larger consumptions of wine and/or alcohol.
Decrease Your Risk of Developing Diabetes
With diabetes being a widespread concern in the U.S., many individuals are doing anything they can to lower their risk of developing the disease, especially the most common of the diabetic disease – Type 2 diabetes, which is currently on track to affect over 40 million in America by 2050. In a study, scientists discovered that alcohol consumption, including wine, at a moderate level could significantly reduce the odds for the development of diabetes. This study proved to be more effective in women than men were by lowering the risk by 37 percent in women (50-71 years of age) versus 19 percent in men.
With that all being said, it is about time you enjoy yourself. Grab a friend, a bottle of wine – dry wine preferably to minimize calories and rid yourself of sugar intake that isn’t needed – along with some wine glasses to pack in your picnic baskets. There is nothing like a celebratory picnic or even a picnic to help you lower your risk for developing diabetes!