How Alcohol Affects Blood Sugar: A Guide for Diabetics

How Alcohol Affects Blood Sugar: A Guide for Diabetics

If you have diabetes, you may be asking yourself, “Can I still drink alcohol?” It’s a common question — and an important one. While having the occasional drink isn’t always off-limits, alcohol can have serious effects on blood sugar levels, especially for people with diabetes.

The main concern is hypoglycaemia — when blood sugar drops too low (below 70 mg/dL). Alcohol can interfere with the liver’s ability to release stored glucose, which may cause your blood sugar to fall dangerously, especially if you’re taking insulin or other diabetes medications. This risk is even higher if you drink on an empty stomach or after physical activity.

In addition, on the flip side, some alcoholic drinks are packed with sugar and calories, which can lead to blood sugar spikes, weight gain and make it harder to manage your diabetes over time. Alcohol may also reduce the effectiveness of your diabetes medications, creating more challenges for blood sugar control.

That’s why it’s essential to approach alcohol with caution. If complete avoidance is not possible, Drinking in moderation ( as less as possible) — and only when your diabetes and blood sugar levels are well managed — can reduce the risks. It’s always best to speak with your doctor to decide whether alcohol is safe for you and get personalized advice based on your medications and health history.

Effects of Alcohol on Diabetes

Occasionally experiencing low blood sugar is common if you have diabetes. There are several reasons why this could occur, including:

• Not eating enough carbs
• Taking too much insulin
• Being in a high place (like mountains) can sometimes cause hypoglycemia, especially if associated with increased physical activity and reduced food intake. Can also sometimes cause higher blood sugars, induced by stress.
• Hormonal changes, like during your period

Keeping your blood sugar stable is very important. When it drops below 70 mg/dL, it can cause symptoms like:

• Headaches
• Fast or uneven heartbeat
• Feeling nervous or anxious
• Confusion or trouble thinking clearly

If your blood sugar drops too low, it can even lead to seizures, which are serious.

Alcohol can also affect your blood sugar both ways. If you drink alcohol without eating enough, your blood sugar can drop too low. On the other hand, if you eat a big meal and drink a lot of alcohol, your blood sugar might go too high.

So, it’s important to be careful with alcohol if you have diabetes and always try to keep your blood sugar in a safe range.

How Alcohol per se Affects Blood Sugar

Your liver helps keep your blood sugar steady by releasing glucose/ sugar between meals and while you sleep. It also works to clean out harmful substances like alcohol.

But when you drink alcohol, your liver focuses on breaking down the alcohol instead of releasing sugar. This can cause your blood sugar to drop too low, especially if you haven’t eaten.

• Your liver needs 1 to 1.5 hours to process one drink.
• During that time, you’re at a potential risk of low blood sugar, especially with more than one drink.
• Eating before or while drinking helps lower this risk.
• If you drink close to bedtime, check your sugar level. If it’s low, eat a carb-rich snack before sleeping.

Other Effects of Alcohol on Diabetes

• Weight Gain: Alcohol can make you eat more( calorie dense finger food) and adds extra calories, which makes weight control harder.
• High Blood Sugar: Some drinks (like beer or sweet wine) have sugar and can raise blood sugar for a short time.
• Confusing Symptoms: Alcohol can make you feel dizzy, sick, or shaky — just like low blood sugar. This can make it hard to know if you’re drunk or your sugar is too low.
• Makes it harder to control cravings, so you might eat unhealthy foods.
• It can make some diabetes medicines less effective.

When drinking, you should

• Alcohol should only be consumed with food, and be careful to include some carbohydrates.
• Take your time drinking.
• Combine low-calorie beverages like water, club soda, or diet soft drinks with alcohol.
• Prior to, during, and after drinking, keep an eye on your blood sugar levels.
• When drinking, be sure to have a source of carbohydrates on hand, such as glucose pills.

Avoid the following when drinking:

• Alcohol and exercise together since they raise the risk of low blood sugar
• Sweet wines or beverages combined with soda, juice, or sweet mixers
• Drinking when If your blood sugar is low.
• Drinking when attempting to reduce weight

If you have diabetes, the following alcoholic beverages are the best in moderation, if avoidance is not possible.

• Dry white wine or red wine
• Prosecco
• Spirits that have been distilled, such whiskey, vodka, tequila, or gin
• Light beer
• Hard seltzer
• Low-carb drinks like vodka soda, bloody martinis, dry martinis, or Manhattans

Guidelines for alcohol consumption

Before and up to 24 hours after drinking, those with diabetes who intend to consume alcohol should check their blood sugar levels. To make sure these levels are stable before going to sleep, they should also check them before bed.

One standard drink in the US is equivalent to 14 grams (g) (0.6 ounces [oz]) of pure alcohol, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source.

The alcohol level of beverages like wine and beer can range from 2 to 20%. Alcohol content in spirits can range from 40% to 50% or higher.

• The alcohol content of 12 ounces of beer is 5%.
• The alcohol level of 8 ounces of malt liquor is 7%.
• The alcohol percentage of 5 ounces of wine is 12%.
• A "shot," or 1.5 ounces, of an 80-proof spirit has 40% alcohol by volume.

Additionally, some beers now have alcohol contents of above 5% because craft brews are becoming more and more popular.

Conclusion

Alcohol can have serious effects on blood sugar levels, causing both dangerous drops and unexpected spikes. For people with diabetes, it's important to understand how alcohol interacts with your body, especially when combined with food, medications, or physical activity. By drinking in moderation, choosing low-sugar options, and closely monitoring your blood sugar, you can reduce risks and make safer choices. Always talk to your healthcare provider before drinking to ensure it’s safe for your individual health needs.