Tips for Living with Type 2 Diabetes

Keep Your Drinking to a Minimum

While there may be health benefits to drinking alcohol in moderation, keep the effects of alcohol on your blood glucose levels in mind. For diabetes patients, when alcohol is consumed, the liver is too busy breaking the alcohol down to release glucose. Therefore, drinking alcohol can increase your risk of low blood sugar, even with diet and exercise management. If you like to enjoy an alcoholic beverage from time to time, there are a few things you should keep in mind to enjoy it safely as a diabetes patient. You shouldn’t drink on an empty stomach or while your blood sugar is low. Don’t omit one of your regular meals and replace it with alcohol. Keep an eye on your blood sugar before and up to 24 hours after drinking, as alcohol can cause hypoglycemia, a condition that occurs when blood glucose levels are below normal. If you notice your blood sugar is low after drinking, eat something to raise it. Keeping a zero-calorie beverage like diet soda or water with you as you drink can help you stay hydrated. Finally, if you do decide to drink, enjoy it! Sip slowly and make it last.

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Review Date: 
March 27, 2015

Last Updated:
March 27, 2015