For people with diabetes, drinking alcohol can affect blood sugar levels. Moderation is key for diabetics who choose to drink. Understanding how different types of alcohol impact blood sugar levels can help diabetics make informed decisions about what and how much to drink.
How does alcohol affect blood sugar levels?
Alcohol affects blood sugar levels in a few key ways:
- Alcohol blocks the production of glucose by the liver. This can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
- Alcohol impacts the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar. Impaired glucagon release can also lead to hypoglycemia.
- Alcohol impacts carbohydrate metabolism and can make it more difficult for the body to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
- The body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over other nutrients. This delays the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates.
- Sugary mixed drinks can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels.
The impacts of alcohol on blood sugar tend to be maximized when drinking on an empty stomach. The body absorbs alcohol more rapidly without food present. Eating food with alcohol helps moderate absorption and reduces blood sugar fluctuations.
How do different types of alcohol impact blood sugar?
The type of alcohol consumed also influences blood sugar effects:
Beer and Wine
- Beer and wine have carbs from the fermentation process. A 12oz beer has around 13g carbs while a 5oz glass of wine has around 4g.
- The carbs can lead to a rise in blood sugar when initially consumed. The alcohol then blocks carbs absorption, which can cause a blood sugar crash later.
- Light beer and dry wines are lower in carbs and less impactful on blood sugar.
Liquor
- Liquor like vodka, rum, gin, and whiskey have minimal carbs and do not directly raise blood sugar.
- However, liquor still blocks the production and release of glucose by the liver. This increases the risk of hypoglycemia.
- Mixers like juice and soda can spike blood sugar levels due to high carb content.
Pre-mixed drinks and cocktails
- Pre-mixed drinks often contain lots of added sugars, especially liqueurs like schnapps or flavored vodkas.
- Cocktails made with juice, soda or sweetened mixers can have very high carb counts.
- Frozen blended drinks and margaritas also tend to be very high in sugar.
- The carb content in these drinks causes rapid blood sugar spikes when consumed.
How much alcohol can a diabetic drink safely?
There are no universal alcohol limits for diabetics. Drinking levels should be personalized based on how alcohol affects your blood sugar specifically. Some general guidelines include:
- Women: No more than 1 drink per day
- Men: No more than 2 drinks per day
- 1 drink = 12oz beer, 5oz wine, 1.5oz liquor
- Always drink with food to slow absorption
- Avoid sweet mixed drinks and cocktails high in carbs
- Check blood sugar before, during and after drinking to learn your body’s response
- Discuss safe alcohol use with your healthcare provider
Tips for diabetics who wish to drink alcohol
If you have diabetes and want to drink alcohol, here are some tips to do so safely:
- Stay hydrated by alternating alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Avoid drinking on an empty stomach
- Eat carbs and protein while drinking to blunt blood sugar fluctuations
- Stick to low-carb options like dry wine or liquor without sugary mixers
- Limit yourself to 1-2 drinks per day at most
- Wear diabetes ID and monitor blood sugar before, during and after drinking
- Never drive after drinking – hypoglycemia can be dangerous at the wheel
What to do if blood sugar drops too low after drinking
Hypoglycemia is a risk if you have diabetes and drink alcohol. Here is how to treat low blood sugar if it occurs:
- Consume 15-20g fast-acting carbohydrates such as glucose tablets, sugary soda or candy
- Recheck blood sugar after 15 minutes – if still low, consume another 15g carbs
- Once blood sugar rises, eat a snack like crackers with cheese to stabilize levels
- If hypoglycemia causes loss of consciousness, someone should administer glucagon and call 911
Alcohol impacts blood sugar levels in complex ways. While moderate drinking is possible, it requires diligence and blood sugar monitoring to stay safe. Talk to your healthcare provider about an alcohol use plan that works for your body and diabetes management strategy.
Conclusion
Alcohol can negatively impact blood sugar control for people with diabetes. However, with moderation, smart choices, and proper precautions, occasional drinking may be possible for some diabetics. The key is understanding how different types of alcohol affect blood sugar so you can make informed decisions. Work with your healthcare team to determine safe alcohol use limits based on your diabetes management plan and how alcohol impacts your body. Blood sugar monitoring and carb intake while drinking are also essential. While drinking is not risk-free, being an educated and responsible drinker can help diabetics who wish to imbibe do so safely.