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Oct 10, 2024 · If you have diabetes, drinking alcohol is safe as long as you choose your drinks wisely. This article shares 10 good options and recommends what not to drink.
- Adrienne Santos-Longhurst
- Alcohol interacts with diabetes medications. Alcohol can cause blood glucose levels to rise or fall, depending on how much you drink. Some diabetes pills (including sulfonylureas and meglitinides) also lower blood glucose levels by stimulating the pancreas to make more insulin.
- Alcohol prevents your liver from doing its job. The main function of your liver is to store glycogen, which is the stored form of glucose, so that you will have a source of glucose when you haven’t eaten.
- Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach. Food slows down the rate at which alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream. Be sure to eat a meal or snack containing carbohydrates if you are going to drink alcohol.
- Always test blood sugar before having an alcoholic beverage. Alcohol impairs your liver’s ability to produce glucose, so be sure to know your blood glucose number before you drink an alcoholic beverage.
When drinking alcohol is combined with the medications most often used to treat diabetes—particularly insulin and sulfonylureas, low blood glucose can result. While a glass of wine with dinner probably isn’t a big deal, a mojito on an empty stomach at happy hour is.
- Drink in Moderation. Most people with diabetes can enjoy some alcohol. Rules are the same as for everyone else: one drink per day for women; two for men.
- Beer. A 12-ounce beer has about 15 grams of carbohydrates, compared to 3 to 6 grams in light beer. Also, “light” and “low carb” are pretty much the same thing -- and also your best bet.
- Wine. Some research says wine (red or white) may help your body use insulin better and may even make you less likely to get type 2 diabetes in the first place.
- Sangria. Recipes vary, but depending on the fruit and juices involved, this drink may have as much sugar as a regular soda. Instead of sangria, go with one glass of dry red or white wine.
Beware of pairing alcohol with some diabetes pills (especially chlorpropamide – Diabinese®); it can cause flushing of the face, arms and neck. You may notice other common subtle signs as well. You may: • Feel lightheaded • Have trouble with your balance • Have an upset stomach. If so, do not drink any more alcohol.
If you live with diabetes, you might think you should not or cannot drink—but as a general rule, you can. However, there are some things to keep in mind. If you take insulin or certain oral medications that can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), alcohol can increase your risk of having a low.
Oct 14, 2024 · The main concern when drinking alcohol with diabetes is that it can cause your blood sugar to drop very low — below 70 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dL) — known as hypoglycemia. Some alcoholic...
