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Living with my Diabetes Alcohol

Is it safe for me to drink alcohol when I have diabetes?  This is a question frequently asked and the following guidance will help you decide what is best for you.

Drink within the recommended limits of 14 units per week for women, 21 units per week for men.    

It is best to spread alcohol through the week and include a couple of alcohol free days each week .

What is a Unit?
  • Half a pint (284ml) of 3.5% beer, lager or cider
  • Half a small glass (87.5ml) of 11% wine  * glass size may vary.      
  • One pub measure (25ml) of spirit (whiskey, gin, vodka etc)
  • One pub measure (50ml) of sherry, vermouth, aperitif or liqueur
 

Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach if taking tablets or insulin for diabetes as alcohol can lower blood sugar and cause a hypo.
This can occur some time after drinking. If you are drinking throughout the evening, ensure you have a starchy snack before bed, e.g. toast, cereal, crackers

If drinking spirits, choose the low sugar mixers e.g. diet cola, slimline tonic. 

Low alcohol beers and wine can contain more sugar and therefore should be avoided. 

Choose ordinary beers and lagers, as strong diet beers have a higher alcohol content which can cause blood sugars to go too low.  Sweetened alcoholic drinks such as sweet wines, sherries, ciders and Alcopops such as Reef, Bacardi Breezers, Smirnoff Ice can raise blood sugar.

Remember

Alcohol contains calories so think about cutting back further if you are trying to lose weight. Beers, lagers and cider will contain more calories than a glass of wine or measure of a spirit.

This information can be downloaded as a leaflet from the right hand side of the page.