New Book Can Help Diabetics Monitor Carbohydrate Intake When Drinking Alcohol

"Current nutritional information generalizes carbohydrate counts of popular adult beverages," says author.

(PRWEB) February 3, 2005 -- Bob Skilnik, author of the recently-released The Low Carb Bartender: Carb Counts of Beer, Wine, Mixed Drinks and More (ISBN 1593372531, Adams Media, $9.95), argues that the carbohydrate information about alcoholic beverages found in many books on diabetes and nutrition is usually misleading or incorrect. His drink reference book lists the carb counts of over 1000 worldwide beers, 400 wines, and more than 200 mixed drinks.

Although doctors, dieticians, and nutritionists advise that the moderate consumption of alcohol under certain conditions can be enjoyed by some diabetics, those who also need to accurately count their carbohydrate intake are currently at a disadvantage when imbibing," says Skilnik.

"Most beers and wines are not alike in terms of carbohydrate content. To generalize that the 'average' beer contains around 12 grams of carbohydrates per 12-ounce serving, for instance, or that a 5-ounce serving of wine has 'about 3 carbohydrates,' doesn't take into account the ever-expanding diversity of wine and beer styles from around the world. There are beers listed in The Low Carb Bartender book that have as many as 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving and some wines that contain more than 12 carbs per serving. Without realizing that some drinks can contain all those extra carbohydrates, that would be like having more than three drinks in one if you believe that all servings of beer contain just 12 carbs or that all servings of wine contain as little as 3 carbs. In my opinion, generalizing carb counts in alcoholic beverages for diabetics who need to limit their carbohydrate intake is like playing Russian Roulette."

The author points out that some diabetics should avoid all forms of alcohol, especially if they have prior nerve damage in their arms or legs. Drinking can aggravate the symptoms common to nerve damage such as sensations of burning, tingling, or pain in general in the extremities. Since alcohol usually enhances low blood sugar levels, drinking on an empty stomach should also be avoided.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) suggest that the enjoyment of alcohol by diabetics who have their condition well-controlled should be limited to no more than two drinks per day for men, one drink for women. One drink is considered 1.5-ounces for distilled products, 12-ounces for beer, and 5-ounces for wine.

As with any changes in a controlled eating or drinking regime, I'd strongly suggest that diabetics who want to use the detailed information on the varying carbohydrate counts of alcoholic beverages found in the book, first consult with their physician. I think, however, that he or she will like what they see."

Bob Skilnik is a certified brewer and freelance writer. He is a contributor to the Good Eating Section of the Chicago Tribune and is a columnist for the LowCarb Energy magazine. He has appeared on ABC's 'The View' with Barbara Walters, ESPN2's 'Cold Pizza,' and Fox News Channel's 'Fox News Live,' preaching the moderate consumption of adult beverages while counting carbs. Mr. Skilnik lives in Plainfield, IL.

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