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Alcohol and diabetes

Most people with diabetes can enjoy alcohol in moderation. But make sure you talk with your doctor, diabetes educator or dietitian first.

If you do drink alcohol, drinking small amounts is generally considered to be of benefit to your health. However, it is easy to drink too much alcohol. If you drink excess alcohol it may have a negative impact on your health. Excessive alcohol intake can impair the management of your diabetes and may exacerbate any diabetes related complications.

Alcohol is also high in energy and can contribute to weight gain and may increase high blood pressure and triglycerides levels.

How much alcohol is safe to drink when you have diabetes?
Research indicates that in general, the level of alcohol consumption associated with the least risk for people with diabetes is the same as that for the general population. The Dietary Guidelines for Australian Adults advise men to drink no more than 2 standard drinks on any day, while women are to have no more than 1. We also recommend both men and women aim to have at least two alcohol free days each week.

People with diabetes who take certain diabetes medications/insulin, and/or have diabetes related complications, are recommended to consult their doctor for more personalised advice.

How can alcohol affect a person with diabetes?
People with diabetes who take insulin or certain diabetes medication can increase their risk of having a hypo when they drink alcohol. To reduce this risk it is recommended that people with diabetes on these medications always eat foods containing carbohydrate when they drink alcohol. Depending on when you drink alcohol, the carbohydrates could be in the form of a meal, or snack foods like oven baked potato chips or reduced fat crackers.

One standard drink equals: 100ml wine or 285 mL regular beer or 375 mL low-alcohol beer or 30 mL spirits.

Tips for drinking less alcohol
If you think you are drinking too much, try some of these tips:
1. Drink some water or a diet soft drink before drinking any alcohol, so that you are not thirsty when you start.
2. Sip your alcoholic drink slowly.
3. Drink a non-alcoholic drink between each alcoholic drink (eg water or a diet soft drink).
4. Dilute alcohol (eg make a beer shandy by diluting beer with low joule lemonade or diluting wine with soda water).
5. Drink low alcohol beer.

Learn more safe drinking strategies or read our Alcohol and Diabetes Fact Sheet (PDF).

Page last updated: 17 March 2008

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