http://lifescan.ie en http://lifescan.ie/type-two/article/alcohol/sensible-drinking <h1>Steps to sensible drinking</h1> <p><img title="Steps to sensible drinking Image" alt="Steps to sensible drinking Image" src="/sites/dev-lifescan-ie.jnj.com/files/images/sensible-drinking.jpg" /></p> <p>If you follow these simple steps towards sensible drinking, you should be able to enjoy a glass or two of <a title="Link to Alcohol" href="/type-two/article/alcohol">alcohol</a> with worry about possible health complications.</p><ul> <li>It is best to limit your daily alcohol intake to three units if you are a man and two units if you are a woman. A unit is roughly half a pint of lager, beer or cider, a small glass of wine or a pub measure of spirit (although this can vary depending on the alcohol content of your chosen brand).</li> <li>If you are out dancing or go for a drink after playing sport, you will need to be particularly careful. The combined risk of extra activity with alcohol puts you at a much greater risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose).</li> <li>Make sure that your friends know you have diabetes. It is a good idea to wear a diabetes identification bracelet, particularly when you are socialising.</li> <li>When you are drinking alcohol that is low in sugar (such as a spirit with low calorie mixer), eat something to keep your blood glucose levels up. You do not need extra food if there is a lot of sugar in your drink (such as a lager or liqueur).</li> <li>If you have had too much to drink, eat before going to bed. Something like potato crisps will give a slow increase in your blood glucose over several hours.</li> <li>Make sure you have somebody who can look after youif there are any problems during the night.</li> <li>Set your alarm clock and don't sleep in late! It takes a long time for your liver to break down alcohol, so having a lie in can be particularly dangerous.</li> <li>Have a big breakfast. The glucose-lowering effect of alcohol is often delayed until the following morning, so be sure to eat properly as soon as you wake up.</li> <li>Check your blood glucose level if you feel sick. It may be caused by high glucose levels rather than the effects of too much alcohol or a hangover.</li> <li>Speak to your diabetes healthcare team to find out more about how to drink alcohol safely when you have diabetes.</li> </ul> Mon, 25 Jan 2010 07:23:36 +0000 siteadmin 204 at http://lifescan.ie