Salt, Sugar, Alcohol

Beware of Salt, Sugar and Alcohol

Consumption of Salt, Sugar and Alcohol  should be done in moderation.  All three can have a negative effect on an individual with or without diabetes, bringing on additional health problems. Talk with your dietician or diabetes educator about obtaining optimal glucose levels by following  a balanced meal plan.

Salt will lead to hypertension. In order to reduce your risk of high blood pressure look for salt that is hidden in: Can foods, Soy sauce, Chicken and Meats (injected with saline water), salad dressing, cheese, fast foods and prepared frozen foods.Daily recommendation of sodium  consumption is no more than 3 grams per day.

Sugar.   Within the context of healthy eating, a person with diabetes can usually eat just about anything a person without diabetes eats. Sugar does not raise blood glucose any more quickly than do other carbohydrates such as potatoes, rice, or pasta. This is true whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. However, most foods containing sugar also contain larger amounts of carbohydrate than those without sugar. They also usually contain more fat, which will have an impact on your blood sugar and can contribute to weight gain.

Alcohol
Alcohol can make your blood sugar levels fall too low and put you at risk of hypoglycemia, so people with diabetes are advised to drink alcohol with a meal or snack and not by itself.
Alcoholic beverages and drink mixers contain sugar and carbohydrates, so they must be figured into your overall meal plan. Your body will burn the alcohol as a source of fuel instead of burning fat. If you use insulin, limit alcohol to two drinks per day.  Consume alcoholic drinks only with a meal or snack, and do not reduce your usual amount of carbohydrate.

http://www.bddiabetes.com/us/main.aspx?cat=1&id=274