Diabetes and Alcohol: Tips and Considerations
Diabetes and alcohol
If you choose to drink alcohol, the American Diabetes Association has guidelines to follow. The ADA
recommends two drinks or less per day for mfen and one drink or less per day for women.
| Beverage | One Serving |
|---|---|
| Regular Beer | 12 oz. |
| Light Beer | 12 oz. |
| Wine | 5 oz |
| Hard Liquor | 1.5 oz. |
There are some people who should avoid alcohol completely:
Those with a history of alcohol abuse
Women who are pregnant
Those with other medical problems, such as pancreatitis, high triglycerides or nerve damage in arms or legs
There are also some medications that may be dangerous when combined with alcohol. Your pharmacist or healthcare provider can advise you about these medications.
other things to consider
Too much alcohol can impair judgment. It could cause you to forget to check your glucose or to take your medications. You might also eat too many foods that could raise your glucose. In addition, alcohol contains calories and can cause you to gain weight. If you need to lose weight, these calories need to be accounted for in your meal plan.
If you choose to drink alcohol, here are some tips:
Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach; always drink it with a meal.
Select drinks that are lower in sugar and alcohol.
Light beers and dry wines are good choices.
Choose sugar-free drink mixers.
Avoid activity before, during or after drinking alcohol.
Wear an ID that notes that you have diabetes. If you are in a setting where people
are drinking alcohol, hypoglycemia may be mistaken for being drunk.
Alcohol can cause hypoglycemia after drinking and/or up to 24 hours later. If you
have been drinking, you should consider checking your blood sugar more often:
Before you drink, while you drink, before going to bed, and throughout the night.
This site is for educational purposes only. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health.
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