Diabetes and Drinking Alcohol

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Alcohol is processed in the body very similarly to the way fat is processed, and alcohol provides almost as many calories. If you choose to drink alcohol, only drink it occasionally and when your blood sugar level is well-controlled. If you are following a calorie-controlled meal plan, one alcoholic drink should be counted as two fat exchanges.

It is a good idea to check with your doctor if you are overweight or have high blood pressure or high triglyceride levels before consuming alcohol. If you are in doubt about whether consuming alcohol is safe for you, check with your doctor.

Here are some other facts about alcohol and diabetes:

• Excess alcohol can decrease your blood sugar level.
• Beer and sweet wine contain carbohydrates and may raise blood sugar.
• Alcohol stimulates your appetite, which can cause you to overeat and may affect your blood sugar control.
• Alcohol can interfere with the positive effects of oral diabetes medicines or insulin.
• Alcohol may have an adverse effect on people with high triglyceride levels.
• Alcohol may increase blood pressure.
• Alcohol can cause flushing, nausea, increased heart rate, and slurred speech.

For an occasional mealtime drink, follow these rules:

• Do not drink more than two alcoholic drinks in a one-day period. (Example: one alcoholic drink = 5-ounce glass of wine, 1 1/2-ounce "shot" of liquor or 12-ounce beer).
• Drink alcohol only with food.
• Drink slowly.
• Avoid "sugary" mixed drinks, sweet wines, or cordials.
• Mix liquor with water or diet soft drinks.

Reviewed by Certified Diabetes Educators in the Department of Patient Education and Health Information and by physicians in the Department of Endocrinology at The Cleveland Clinic.

Edited by John Seibel, MD, WebMD, December 2006.