Booze Without the Blues - A T2D’s Guide to Drinking Without Dying

So… let me paint a picture for all you T2s out there. For years I was a heavy drinker. A Boozer. I enjoyed quite a few pints of that golden nectar and the odd binge on some spirits.

After nearly 30 years of that, I ditched the pub life and instead discovered the joy of vacations and exploring the world.

Fast-forward to when I was diagnosed with T2D. I had already stopped drinking. So I hadn't really considered if it was safe to drink again.

Then an event came up that I actually wanted to go to. On my way there, I caught myself thinking:

"Should I drink like I used to, or maybe just stick to a couple. Or should I stay sober. It will be good for me?"

With common sense, coursing through my head, I decided not to go all out like the beer monster I used to be. I thought I'd be good. I would drink lightly, then check online the next day to see if ’d committed biological treason. I aimed to be a good boy.

Well, that never happened!

After friends buying me pints and myself buying too, it was evident that I was returning to my Beer Monster Mode.

While just tipsy, I was waiting for the pain, a collapse, or for an Angelic ambulance to show up. But nothing happened. I felt fine. Smug even - like I had outsmarted the Grim Reaper and my pancreas.

The following morning, after peeling my face from my pillow. My liver interrupted and was like: Hold on there Kimosabi - not so fast.

The Liver’s Dirty Secret (And Why It Betrays You When You Drink).

Your liver is a multitasking pro - right up till you add a bit of booze. As soon as the alcohol hits, the liver drops everything (including keeping your blood sugar in check) and basically says: "No more glucose until the alcohol is out of here, pal."

This can mean your blood sugar takes a nosedive hours later, usually while you’re asleep and snoring like an asthmatic warthog. So if you wake up all sweaty, shaky, or confused, it might not just be regret from last night’s dance moves, it could be a delayed hypo?

Standard diabetes advice lets you know that alcohol doesn’t just “hit the spot”; it hits the liver’s pause button. Which leads to…

The Consequences

Hangover or Hypo: You Choose Your Poison. The next morning, you’ll probably wake up feeling one of two ways. Either a hangover or the effects of low blood sugar. A Hypo.

The symptoms can feel eerily similar. General diabetes advice suggests hydrating well and keeping an eye on your blood glucose levels, defore before “treating” any symptoms.

In my case? I did the classic “walk of suicide, via the local kebab shop,” on my way home. After devouring a Diablo Doner (The Devil's Doner). Swimming in chili & garlic sauces and massive amounts of onions, I crawled into bed. Belching and worse.

The next morning, Feeling utterly terrible. I spent my time regretting my choices and googling whether T2Ds could drink alcohol safely, or not? While groaning, not corooning to my keyboard.

Would I do it again? Oh Yes! But here’s the light at the end of the tunnel…

The Spectrum of Sin: Drinks Ranked by Risk

Cocktails & Alcopops - NUCLEAR! - Liquid diabetes. It's coma with a straw.

Cider - HIGH - Great when it’s sunny, but basically fizzy apple pie.

Beer - MODERATE - A pint is fine. Two is pushing it. Ten is a definite no-go for most.

Red/White Wine - LOW-ISH - A bit classy and manageable - just don’t drink two bottles and stand on the furniture impersonating Freddie mercury.

Spirits with sugar-free mixer VERY LOW - The angels’ pick. As long as you keep it together.

The Rules of Engagement

Basic advice for T2Ds who want to drink goes along these lines:

Don’t drink on an empty stomach. Fuel up first, then rebel. Hydrate like you’re in a desert. Mix up your drinks with still or fizzy water. Skip the sugary mixers. Use diet mixers or soda. Juice is just fermented Sweetner regret.

No “hair of the dog.” Your pancreas is already in a battle, don’t send in the reinforcements. Be cautious with meds that might trigger hypos. Some medications like sulfonylureas mixed with alcohol is a disaster waiting to happen.

Social Survival Tactics (So You Can Still Have a Life).

Having T2D doesn’t mean you have to be a hermit. You can still hit the pubs, the parties, and the BBQs. Just be a bit smart.

Sometimes, you could volunteer to be the designated driver. Your future self will thank you.

Order more slowly. Take longer between rounds. Sip slower. A half pint can last longer than a chat about politics. Keep a snack handy: peanuts, crisps (potato chips for the Internationals). Whatever will do the trick.

If you get grilled by somebody: "Why aren’t you drinking much, Billy?" Just reply "Because I’m saving up for a new pancreas, Steve."

The Morning Aftermath, (Spot the Difference Before You Try to Fix It)

If you wake up wondering, "What did I buy in the kebab house?" Prick your finger... Check your glucose, before diving into a full fry-up. A hypo-hangover feels just like a regular hangover But the solution is different: a measured carb, not a greasy breakfast bender.

Keep breakfast light: eggs, toast, water, a hint of regret, and a vague promise never to do that again. Don’t forget the doughnut cushion, to sit on, if you went XL with that Diablo Doner.

Billy’s Parting Words of Wisdom

Life’s too brief to act like a monk. But far too long to spend at A&E, every week! Just because you decided a whisky chased with a box of donuts was a good idea. You can totally enjoy a couple of pints, a glass, or a dram. Just don’t make it your quick ticket to the grave.

Moderation isn’t boring, it’s rebellion with a safety net. If you’re unsure, keep the holy trinity in mind:

Eat. Sip. Sleep.

Plus, absolutely avoid kebab shop detours. They’ll hurt, in more ways than one.