Alcohol
When you have diabetes, it can be safe for you to have the occasional drink. However, it is important for you to understand how alcohol can affect your blood sugar levels.
Alcohol is high in calories but provides very little nutrition. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to weight gain and high blood triglycerides, which can increase your risk of diabetes complications and other chronic conditions (e.g. heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure).
Alcohol may also stimulate your appetite and decrease your ability to make healthy food choices.
If you are on insulin or taking insulin secretagogues (oral diabetes pills that cause your pancreas to make more insulin), you’re at higher risk of hypoglycaemia.
Your liver regulates blood sugar levels by storing excess glucose and releasing it back into the bloodstream when blood sugar levels drop.
Alcohol interferes with your liver’s ability to do this effectively, potentially causing low blood sugar levels.
Tips
Don’t drink on an empty stomach. Eat a meal or snack before drinking.
Limit yourself to 1 drink. One standard drink is equivalent to ½ glass (100mL) of wine, 1 can (330mL) of regular beer or 1 nip (30mL) of spirit (whiskey, vodka, gin).
Sip your drink slowly.
Mix your drink with diet soft drinks or tonic water, or choose light beers.
Carry jelly beans with you in case your blood sugar levels drop.