Alcohol and Diabetes

I am often asked by my patients about drinking alcohol. There are several reasons to be cautious with alcohol especially for people with diabetes. Alcohol can lead to the lowering of inhibitions and increased food intake. Alcohol can also cause low blood sugars, known as hypoglycemia, anywhere from 6-12 hours after alcohol ingestion. Symptoms of too much alcohol and hypoglycemia are very similar and can easily be confused leading to a delay in treatment or .

For more information, check out my article:  What are the Dangers of Diabetes And Alcohol

If you drink, be sure to consume food with your alcohol. Food will help slow down the absorption of alcohol and will reduce your risk of hypoglycemia. Be sure to check your blood sugar before going to bed, and if low, have a snack.

The American Heart Association states men should drink no more than two drinks per day and women, one drink per day.

One  drink is equivalent to:

• one 12 oz. beer
• 4 oz. of wine
• 1.5 oz. of 80-proof spirits
• 1 oz. of 100-proof spirits

Avoid sugary drinks like daiquiris, grenadine, fruit juices, margaritas, ice cream drinks, wine coolers, liqueurs and port wines. These are all sugary drinks that may raise your blood sugar.

According to Ohio State, some drinks are better choices for people with diabetes. Drinks
that are lower in alcohol and sugar include:

• Distilled liquors like gin, vodka or whiskey with sugar-free mixers such as diet soda, diet tonic, club soda, seltzer or water
• Dry wines or wine spritzers (2 oz of wine mixed with sparkling water, club soda or diet soda.
• Light beer

Some other low carb/low sugar mixers available on the market such as:

Go Cocktail! This company provides low calorie, low carb mixers that contain only 5 calories and 1 carb per serving (compared with 100 calories and 30 carbs per serving in traditional mixes.

• Go Cocktails! Sugar Free Appletini Cocktail Mix
• Go Cocktails! Sugar Free Cosmo Cocktail Mix
• Go Cocktails! Sugar Free Margarita Cocktail Mix
• Go Cocktails! Sugar Free Lemon Drop Cocktail Mix
  

Remember to drink responsibly.

Buen Provecho!

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Mandy Seay is a registered and licensed dietitian. She works as a nutrition consultant in Austin, Texas specializing in diabetes, weight loss, lipid control and preventative nutrition. For more health articles and nutrition information, check out Mandy’s website Nutritionistics.