While sugar alcohol may not be “bad” for most people to consume in moderation, it is important to consider the risks and benefits of this ingredient. Be sure to consult your doctor or a nutritionist ifyou have specific questions. Sugar alcohol is a carb and can raise your blood sugar if can diabetics get drunk you eat too much of it. High levels of xylitol and erythritol can send your platelets into overdrive. Platelets are the components in your blood that allow it to clot. But when your blood clots inside your body, it’s a recipe for a medical emergency — like a heart attack or stroke.
We talked with Bissell and physician-scientist Stanley Hazen, MD, PhD, to understand what sugar alcohols are and the potential risks that are coming to light. In short — yes — sugar alcohols are generally safe to consume; however, they should be eaten in careful moderation. But sugar alcohols aren’t always a harmless replacement for sugar. Many sugar alcohols can cause gas, bloating, and stomach aches, especially when eaten in large amounts, and some people may be more sensitive to this effect than others.
That way, you can help to avoid them by limiting how much you drink. You might want to know whether it’s safe to drink alcohol with diabetes, and how much is OK. What’s more, when the liver breaks down alcohol, it converts it to fat, which can contribute to weight gain. Excess weight can contribute to the onset of type 2 diabetes, and it can make the condition worse.
People with metabolic syndrome or other cardiac risk factors should be cautious about consuming erythritol. The sweetener has been linked to a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. Folks living with diabetes should get about half their daily calories from carbs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Just keep in mind, diabetes nutrition recs can vary from person to person.
