Health Topics for Nutrition

Nutrition For Diabetics: Use Of Alcohol

People with diabetes should be cautious about drinking alcohol. Excess alcohol can make blood sugar levels fall too low. Even drinking as little as 2 ounces of alcohol (about 2 drinks) on an empty stomach can lead to very low blood sugar. Diabetics who take insulin shots or oral diabetes pills are at more risk for low blood sugar when they drink alcohol because alcohol interferes with the positive effects of these medications. In addition, some medications, including those for diabetes, can cause serious and potentially life-threatening interactions when combined with alcohol.

Alcohol can make some diabetic health problems worse. If there is nerve damage in the arms or legs, eye disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, or other health problems related to diabetes, drinking any amount of alcohol can make them worse. Nerve damage can be caused by drinking less than 2 drinks per week. Diabetic eye disease can be made worse with heavy drinking (3 or more drinks per day). Stopping all alcohol consumption can lower high blood pressure. Women should not drink alcohol if they have a history of alcohol abuse or are planning to become pregnant. Never drink alcohol during pregnancy.

Diabetics who have high levels of the fat called triglycerides in their blood should not drink alcohol. Even light drinking (two 4- ounce glasses of wine a week) will cause the liver to raise triglyceride levels. People having trouble controlling their diabetes or who are having complications, should avoid drinking alcohol altogether.

If you drink alcohol, follow these tips:

• Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach. Have a meal or a snack (especially if you are going to bed after drinking alcohol) and sip it slowly.
• Limit yourself to 1 drink if you are a woman and 2 drinks if you are a man. Men and women metabolize alcohol differently. One drink equals one 12-ounce beer, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or one and one-half ounce shot of spirits.
• Select drinks that are low in alcohol and sugar. For example, light beer and dry wine are good choices. Use diet soft drinks or water to mix drinks.
• Do not drink alcohol if you are trying to lose weight. It is loaded with extra calories and lacks nutrients.
• If you cook with alcohol, use regular drinking wine, not cooking wine. There is less sodium in the drinking wine. Cook the food slowly so that the alcohol has time to burn off.
• Combining alcohol with exercise can cause the blood sugar level to lower, even hours after the exercise period was stopped. It is better to quench your thirst with water before, during, and after exercise.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File NUTR3311.RF2 VRS# 6965 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999, 2002-2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.