Just like everyone else, if you have diabetes we recommend that you:
- limit how much alcohol you drink
- do not smoke
Limiting your alcohol
Alcoholic drinks such as beer, cider, stout, cocktails, spirits with mixers, and wine can contain a large amount of carbohydrates. These can raise blood glucose.
Choose mixers that are sugar-free alternatives to full-sugar drinks.
For example, soda water or drinks labelled as:
- diet
- slimline
- 0%
- zero sugar
Always check the label.
Drinking alcohol can contribute to weight gain. Alcohol can be high in calories and drinking may also lead to snacking.
If you have type 2 diabetes and drink alcohol, be aware of the weekly low-risk alcohol guidelines. Be aware of how alcohol may interact with your diabetes medicines.
Use our drinks calculator to find out how your drinking affects your health
Binge drinking is considered to be 6 or more drinks in one sitting. This increases the risk of serious health problems like cancer, liver disease and high blood pressure.
Alcohol and diabetes medicines
If you have diabetes and take insulin or certain diabetes tablets, you may be at risk of developing a hypo (low blood glucose). Alcohol can increase the risk of a hypo when taking these medicines.
Before you drink alcohol:
- check with your doctor or nurse if any diabetes medicine you are taking could put you a risk of a hypo
- be prepared to treat a hypo
- do not drink on an empty stomach
Alcohol can also interact with other medicines that you may take. If you drink alcohol and take certain medicines at the same time, the effects can be unpredictable or dangerous.
Read more about how alcohol affects your health and wellbeing
Non-urgent advice: Get help with problem alcohol use
Freephone 1800 459 459 for confidential advice
Quit smoking
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, especially if you have a condition such as type 2 diabetes.
If you are a smoker, services are available to help you quit if you are ready. Getting help and support will double your chance of success.
Contact Quit for one-to-one personal support and advice from a smoking cessation service near you.
