Is it safe for someone with both hypertension and diabetes to drink red wine?
Disease description:
I've experienced repeated episodes of elevated blood pressure over the past two to three days, accompanied by diabetes. I would like to drink some red wine. Is it advisable to drink red wine with both hypertension and diabetes?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Hypertension combined with diabetes does not recommend drinking red wine. The main reasons are as follows:
1. **Blood sugar fluctuations**: Red wine contains a certain amount of sugar, although the content is relatively low. Diabetic patients need strict control over blood glucose levels. Drinking red wine may affect blood sugar stability, causing fluctuations that are detrimental to diabetes control and management.
2. **Effect on blood pressure**: Alcohol in red wine has a vasodilatory effect, which may temporarily dilate peripheral arteries. However, long-term and excessive alcohol consumption can accelerate heart rate, thereby increasing blood pressure. For patients with hypertension, such fluctuations in blood pressure may have adverse effects.
3. **Risk of cardiovascular disease**: Hypertension and diabetes are both high-risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Drinking red wine may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially when alcohol intake exceeds recommended levels, further elevating this risk.
To ensure the health of patients with hypertension and diabetes, it is recommended to avoid drinking red wine.
