13 July 2025
So you’re living with diabetes and wondering if you can still have the occasional glass of wine or enjoy a cold beer with friends. Totally understandable! You’re not alone in asking this question. Many people with diabetes wonder how alcohol fits into a healthy lifestyle without throwing their blood sugar into a rollercoaster ride from hell.
Well, here’s the good news: Yes, you can drink alcohol if you have diabetes — but with a few important caveats. Like pretty much everything in diabetes management, it comes down to balance, awareness, and smart choices.
Let’s break it down and clear up the confusion.
Alcohol doesn’t automatically make the "do not consume" list for people with diabetes. That said, alcohol can have some pretty unpredictable effects on blood sugar levels — sometimes causing a spike, other times a dangerous drop, especially if consumed on an empty stomach or combined with certain diabetes medications.
So if you thought diabetes meant saying goodbye to your favorite drinks forever, breathe easy. You don’t have to go teetotal. But now's the time to become an informed drinker.
When you drink alcohol, your liver has to work really hard to process it. The liver is also the organ responsible for releasing stored glucose (sugar) into your bloodstream to keep your blood sugar levels steady — especially between meals or overnight.
But here’s the kicker: Your liver can’t multitask. So when it's busy breaking down alcohol, it puts blood sugar regulation on the back burner. This can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), particularly in people taking insulin or other medications that lower blood sugar.
And this drop in blood sugar? It can sneak up on you hours later — even overnight — which makes it a little dangerous if you’re not prepared.
That’s why it’s super important to:
- Always wear a medical ID (bracelet or necklace)
- Let your drinking buddies know you have diabetes
- Keep fast-acting carbs on hand (like glucose tablets or juice)
You want your friends to know that if you’re acting a little off, it might not just be "happy hour" talking.
- Best Choice: Dry wines (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay)
- Avoid: Sweet wines, dessert wines, sangria (hello, sugar bomb!)
- Best Choice: Light beers (they often have fewer carbs)
- Avoid: Craft and flavored beers, stouts, ales (they can be high in carbs)
- Pro Tip: Check labels or apps to find out the carb content before cracking one open.
Well, not so fast. It’s what you mix with them that often causes blood sugar spikes.
- Best Choice: Spirits with sugar-free mixers (like soda water or diet tonic)
- Avoid: Cocktails with sugary juices, soda, or syrups (Margaritas and Piña Coladas, we’re looking at you)
- Vodka + soda water + squeeze of lime
- Gin + diet tonic + cucumber slices
- Whiskey with a splash of diet ginger ale
- Tequila with fresh lime juice and a pinch of sea salt (no sugary margarita mix!)
According to general health guidelines:
- For men, up to 2 drinks per day
- For women, up to 1 drink per day
And what exactly counts as one drink?
- 5 oz of wine
- 12 oz of beer
- 1.5 oz of distilled spirits
Portion size matters — so don’t over-pour that glass of wine and call it “just one.”
Nighttime lows can be really dangerous, so monitoring through the night or using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can be a lifesaver — literally.
Also, alcohol can mess with weight management goals — which, let’s face it, are often part of managing Type 2.
And hey, always talk to your doc or diabetes educator before making alcohol a regular part of your life again. They’ll help you sort through any interactions or risks based on the meds you're on.
- Never drink alone if you’re at risk for lows
- Carry an ID that mentions your diabetes
- Stick to your usual meal-and-medication schedule
- Bring backup snacks or glucose tabs
- Keep your friends in the loop (they can help spot a low!)
Remember, every body is different, so it’s all about paying attention to how your body responds to different drinks — and keeping your blood sugar goals front and center.
Whether it’s a glass of wine with dinner or a celebratory toast, you can still raise a glass — just do it smartly.
Here’s to good health, smart choices, and making informed sips!
all images in this post were generated using AI tools
Category:
DiabetesAuthor:
Laurie Barlow