Friendly Reminder: Alcohol and Blood Sugar

Hi Delicia, I'm the mother of a teenager who was diagnosed with Type 1 this July.  I enjoyed Kelsey's story because it was a very good description of what I'm trying to understand from the badly written literature I have about diabetes and alcohol.  It looks like you've just realized what kind of a situation you're in with your diabetes, which is a good thing.  The fact that you got onto the net and checked out these kinds of sites is great. What worries me is that your call for help might not be answered here, because (I reckon) you need advice from somebody you can talk to in person. Your doctor. And let him know EVERYTHING - even the bits you're not too proud of (such as what you're eating, that you may be overeating, and that you don't know how to manage your food).  He/she will be able to advise you and (if your health system works well) the doctor should also send you to a dietician, and also somewhere for psychological guidance on how to do what your body NEEDS, over doing what your body WANTS.  This means your counsellor will teach you strategies.  What you've described is so very common, and it's difficult to overcome the eating habits we learned as children, and depend upon as adults.  Now is the time for you to save yourself, and to teach your children better eating habits before they continue the cycle.  And you're young - you can do it because you're young.  Please, take your honesty to your doctor, and if that person doesn't take you seriously enough - go to another one.

Hi Delicia,

I'm glad you felt you could reach out to me!  I'm assuming from your description that you have type 2 diabetes.  Honestly, there are thousands (if not millions) of people in your shoes that have lived with their diabetes for years without taking good care of it. Diabetes is a challenging disease and it requires a lot of dedication from patients.  However, those who have taken control of their diabetes will tell you that you will feel so much better once you get your blood sugars better managed.

You'll need to contact a doctor in your area that specializes in diabetes. An endocrinologist is the specialty you're looking for.  Go to the doctor, get your blood work done, so you know how diabetes is really affecting your body.  Be honest with the doctor, as Sue advised.  Your doctor might suggest you see a nutritionist to work on your diet.  Perhaps there's a local medical center with a diabetes support group, as well.  There is information out there for you, if you want it.  It might seem overwhelming from where you're sitting now, but it's so worth the effort to get your diabetes under control.  You'll feel better, have more energy, and have the peace of knowing that you're healthy for both yourself and your children.

Let me know if I can be of further assistance.  Reaching out for help is wonderful, now you'll just need to follow up with medical professionals that you can develop a relationship with in your area.

Good luck!