I have diabetes?

People with diabetes can consume alcohol, but preferably with a meal. The consumption of alcohol without food can cause blood sugar level to fall unexpectedly (hypoglycemia), in particular, if on insulin.

If more than a light to moderate amount of alcohol is drunk, alcohol can react with many of the prescribed diabetic medications and worsen the side effects of diabetes such as increased blood pressure.

Recommendations are a maximum of two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.

Which drinks?

Low sugar or ‘dry’ varieties of wine are recommended for diabetics. These include still and sparkling styles and also dry sherry, but not a sweet or medium dry/sweet sherry or sweet dessert wines. Beers and spirits (avoid sweet mixers) are fine but high sugar liqueurs and fortified wines should also be avoided.

If your diabetes is well controlled drinking moderately probably won't affect short-term blood glucose control. However, drinking above the recommended guidelines can result in serious hypoglycaemia, particularly if you are taking insulin or sulphonylurea tablets or if you haven't eaten enough carbohydrate.

Delayed hypoglycaemia may occur up to 16 hours after heavy drinking. So if you overdo it, keep your blood glucose levels topped up with carbohydrate. After drinking, make sure you have carbohydrate before you go to bed and at breakfast, and monitor your blood glucose levels closely.

If you have diabetes, follow these useful tips when you drink

If you drink alcohol, make sure it's always shortly before, during or after a meal

• Never drink on an empty stomach. The alcohol will be absorbed into your blood stream too quickly Choose ‘dry’ drinks, such as dry wine and beer and avoid mixing spirits with juice mixers – choose a slimline tonic or low sugar alternative. Avoid dessert wines, port or sweet sherries for example
• Do not substitute alcoholic drinks for your usual meal or snacks. It could lead to hypoglycaemia
• If you're watching your weight, remember all alcoholic drinks contain calories. They can also make you feel hungry
• You may be less aware of the symptoms of hypoglycaemia when you are drinking, so always wear some form of diabetes identification.

For more information on alcohol and diabetes, talk to your Dietician, Diabetes Specialist Nurse, or GP.