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Socialising

Topher

Well-Known Member
Messages
202
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Just wondering what other type 1's feel/ think, I would go out once a week and have about 6-7 pints. Do people think this is too much, or am i doing myself harm.
 
Going out once a week and drinking 6-7 pints isn't excessive, provided your aware of what alcohol can do to bg levels it's your choice as to how much you drink, when I was a beer drinker I would consume a similar amount if not more when going out with friends..
 
Drinkaware.co.uk says that you shouldn't regularly exceed 3-4 units per day (2-3 units for women), and the "6-7 pints" you planning to have every Friday (or equivalent) have 16+ units, so I'd go with their recommendation to avoid binge drinking like that.
 
Thanks for the replies, think I might cut down by a couple maybe, don't want to be doing myself harm
 
Sounds like a good idea, do you really feel you need to drink that much in one outing? maybe spread them through the week ?
 
Trying to damage your body aren't you in other words?

Sounds like a good idea, do you really feel you need to drink that much in one outing? maybe spread them through the week ?


Do you really think this was the sort of smug, know it all response that the OP was looking for? He/she can do what they like. As another post said, it's all about knowing the impact this has on your BG and knowing how to handle it. Each individual can make their own informed decisions. 6 or 7 pints once a week is not an astronomical amount. Sure, the official guidelines say it's 'binge drinking' but put that against someone who has a single pint every night of the week and I know which one I'd be concerned about. Same amount of alcohol - different drinking behaviours.
 
Cheers Alister thanks for that, i do tend to agree, but maybe I'll reduce my intake a bit.
 
that's just as much a smug, know it all response
 
My take on it is this.. We all know what the deal is with the booze & the meds. That goes without saying.
Yes you are entitled to a normal life. Hypo awareness while inebriated is a risk.
Socially, I found my close mates understanding of the "diabetic kid" that has to "take it easy"..
But it's done me a favour when "female encounter" feed back requested I "leave my mates at home next time."
Even those who don't know I'm diabetic tend to be so hammered they don't notice me laying off the drink!

I'm not saying I'm a saint. (Having a look at the "drink aware" thing, I'm still over by a couple of units on a bad night.) I'm just suggesting there are other advantages to being not as drunk as yer mates at the end of the night..
Taxi drivers are more amenable on the way home with at least one "voice of reason" for a start.....
 
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We T1's are certainly entitled to a "normal life" but, sadly, don't really have one thanks to our pancreatic problem. As well as knowing what it does to your BG levels you have to wonder what it does to your organs etc too. Personally, I couldn't drink 6-7 pints in one go being a complete and utter lightweight but I consider that a blessing. My max is 3 pints or 4 smaller bottles and I don't think twice about having that. Not every week but I was at a BBQ on Friday and enjoyed the 4 bottles.

The distinction for me is drinking to excess, in one go or regularly, or to the point where you are not in control. However, I'd always say weigh up the importance of the pints vs your long term health.
 
6- 7 pints can easily be managed if you know how to..........

I wouldn't say that it was too much on a night out.........

I can see myself having a bottle of red wine and a few whiskeys in the house........

obviously there is risk of hypo, you will need to assess that risk by yourself and make the necessary adjustments....

and of course drinking too much alcohol, as we all know doesn't make us fitter.......but you can do it.....
 
Well said novorapidvoi26!
At the age of 46 I was diagnosed T1 a year ago. I've good HB1ACs and generally good control of my sugars. I say generally as I do love a few alcoholic beverages! As long as your careful, eat carbs whilst drinking alcohol (I've had 8/9 JDs n diet coke) be aware of the hypo and make sure you have carbs before bed you'll be fine. At the end of the day, it's my understanding that we've the same risks long term as a non-diabetic. Whilst my liver test functions continue to be very good every 3 months, I'm not changing!
 
Hardly - I didn't
that's just as much a smug, know it all response

A nice bottle of red followed by a wee dram of Glenlivet . . . . and all the while I'm thinking 'no carbs!'
 
The carbs in the beer will probably give you high readings. For a non-diabetic, I don't think 6/7 pints per weekend is excessive, but they won't get high BGs from them. Perhaps swap a couple of them for sprits with diet mixers? I drink wine nor because I'm 30 and can get away with it with my mates now. A few years ago I'd have had a ribbing for ordering a large Pinot!
 
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