Alcohol and Diabetes

Mixing alcohol and diabetes is risky. Alcohol can either lower or raise your blood sugar levels, depending on how much you drink as well as what foods (if any) you have eaten. Before considering drinking any alcoholic beverage, it is imperative that you consult with your diabetes health care specialist. They can assess your current condition and your treatments in order to tell you whether it is safe for you to drink alcohol or not.

It is much safer to not drink at all. Too much alcohol makes it difficult for your body to maintain the proper blood sugar levels in their system. Alcohol absorbs quickly into the blood stream without fully metabolizing in the stomach. A person without diabetes takes about two hours to metabolize one drink. Diabetics are at risk of developing low blood sugar very quickly.

Low blood sugar is what causes diabetics to having reactions. Alcohol is a toxin, and the liver wants to remove the alcohol quickly. The liver won’t convert carbohydrates to glucose until it clears the alcohol from your body. It can’t provide the glucose the body needs, which leads to low blood sugar.

Drink light beer. Use sugar-free mixes and soda’s. Drink dry wine rather than sweet.

If you do drink, be sure you don’t drink on an empty stomach. Food helps the alcohol to metabolize faster, keeping your blood sugar level from falling. It is a good idea to eat a carbohydrate snack with your drink. Be sure your blood sugar levels are in your normal target range.

Some studies indicate that there may be some benefit for women with type II diabetes drinking a couple of alcoholic drinks per day. The alcohol's effects can decrease insulin resistance.


We came across this video, and thought we'd share it with you. It has nothing to do with alcohol and diabetes - but it is very inspiring! Enjoy!