Can I drink alcohol if I have diabetes?
Yes, most people with diabetes can drink alcohol in moderation, with two cautions. Alcohol can drop blood sugar hours later, especially with insulin or sulfonylurea pills, so never drink on an empty stomach and check sugar before bed after drinking.
Sweet drinks, beer and cocktails also carry their own carbs; dry wine and spirits with sugar-free mixers land lighter.
Confirm with your own doctor how alcohol interacts with your specific medicines, and treat a low after drinking exactly as any other low.
Source: American Diabetes Association, Standards of Care in Diabetes
See a doctor promptly if
- Excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision or unexplained weight loss. These suggest diabetes and need testing, not tracking
- Sweating, shakiness, palpitations or confusion a few hours after eating that resolves with food, especially if repeated
- A fasting glucose of 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or more, or an HbA1c of 6.5 percent (48 mmol/mol) or more on repeat testing
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Answered by the AskDoc Medical Team · Medically reviewed under our Medical Director, MBBS · How we review
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