Can I Occasionally Drink Alcohol If I Have Diabetes?

Is your diabetes under control?

Have you talked to your doctor about drinking alcohol occasionally?

Do you know that you should not drink alcohol on an empty stomach?

Do you know that moderate alcohol consumption is defined as a maximum of one drink per day for women and men over the age of 65, and two drinks per day for men under the age of 65?

Do you know that alcoholic beverages contain calories and carbohydrates?

Do you know that the calories of alcoholic beverages should be included in your daily calorie count?

Do you know that you have to check your blood sugar before going to bed, if you have been drinking in the previous 24 hours?

Do you know that alcohol can worsen the complications of diabetes, such as nerve damage and eye diseases?

Based on your answers, you need to consider a few more facts if you have diabetes and want to drink alcohol. It’s OK to have a drink occasionally if your doctor approves, and if you have well-controlled diabetes. You should keep in mind that consuming alcohol can lower blood sugar levels, so you should avoid drinking on an empty stomach, but be sure to eat beforehand, or have a drink with a meal. You should choose drinks that are low in calories and low in carbohydrates. You can try light beer and dry wines, as well as sugar-free mixtures, such as dietary tonic, diet soda or seltzer.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to consume alcohol when you have diabetes. Moderate alcohol consumption means a maximum of one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. Alcoholic beverages contain a certain amount of calories and carbohydrates, so be sure to include those calories in your daily calorie count. Your blood sugar level may drop after you drink alcohol, or even within 24 hours after that. If you have been drinking, you should check your blood sugar level before going to bed. If your blood sugar is low, you should eat a snack before bed.