Yes, you can.
Just because you have diabetes, it does not mean you are unable to enjoy a glass of wine or another alcoholic drink of your choice. In fact, there has been research demonstrating that alcohol in moderate quantities (150ml of red wine) may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in people living with type 2 diabetes.
The Australian Alcohol Guidelines recommends no more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than four standard drinks in one sitting (a standard drink contains 10g of alcohol).
However, when it comes to managing diabetes there are some things you need to consider. Put simply, alcohol is poison to our bodies. Your liver prioritises processing alcohol over managing blood glucose levels which may lower your blood glucose levels — and not in a good way.
If you are taking insulin or are on a sulfonylurea (such as Glipizide, Gliclazide, Diamicron or Minidiab), this could cause hypoglycaemia or delayed hypoglycaemia up to several hours after drinking. Pair this with alcohol impairing your ability to detect hypoglycaemia, leading you to mistake hypoglycaemia for intoxication, and find yourself in a dangerous situation.
It’s also worth noting that alcohol is very energy dense with little, if any, nutritional value. If you’re wanting to lose weight, reducing your alcohol consumption can help. Losing weight can improve your insulin resistance (which makes your insulin work more effectively) and to manage your diabetes, particularly for anyone living with type 2 diabetes.
The added sugars and energy content in sweeter alcoholic beverages can also contribute to weight gain, as well as possibly raising your blood glucose levels in the short term.
If you are planning to drink (particularly if you are on insulin or sulfonylurea medications), here are some things to consider:
- Monitor your blood glucose levels frequently after drinking, including before bed and during the night.
- Eat food containing carbohydrates before and during your evening, and avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
- Make sure you have access to your usual hypo treatment, including during the night.
- Consume a before bed snack containing carbohydrates.
- Make sure you are with someone who can look out for any signs and symptoms of a hypo and can help you manage if you have one.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water in between alcoholic drinks.
- You could try a mocktail or non-alcoholic option. These are becoming more popular, with a wide range of alcohol-free beers now available.
Remember, alcohol effects everybody differently! Limiting alcohol will always lead to better health outcomes and reduce your risk of alcohol related harm, particularly if you are living with diabetes.
If you are unsure how alcohol will affect your diabetes management and treatment plan, talk to your diabetes management team including your GP, dietitian or diabetes educator.
Words: Georgina Keogh-Fisher
