As a general rule there is no need to give up alcohol just because you have been diagnosed with diabetes. Some medications, other than those used to treat diabetes may mean that you should not take alcohol so check with your doctor first.
The principle of sensible drinking applies to people with diabetes: 2 units per day for women and 3 units per day for men.
If you are drinking beer or lager, remember to choose the ordinary strength and not the higher alcohol ones.
All alcohol contains calories so if you are trying to lose weight it is best to only have an occasional drink.
Alcohol can lower your blood glucose level, and if you are on insulin or some diabetic tablets, drinking alcohol can make you less likely to recognise a hypo.
Remember:
This page is about drinking alcohol if you have diabetes.
As a general rule there is no need to give up alcohol just because you have been diagnosed with diabetes. Some medications, other than those used to treat diabetes may mean that you should not take alcohol so check with your doctor first.
The principle of sensible drinking applies to people with diabetes: 2 units per day for women and 3 units per day for men.
If you are drinking beer or lager, remember to choose the ordinary strength and not the higher alcohol ones.
All alcohol contains calories so if you are trying to lose weight it is best to only have an occasional drink.
Alcohol can lower your blood glucose level, and if you are on insulin or some diabetic tablets, drinking alcohol can make you less likely to recognise a hypo.
Remember:
Diabetes Centre
Royal Liverpool University Hospital
Prescot Street
Liverpool
L7 8XP
0151 706 2829