Alcohol and Diabetes: Precautions You Need To Take

October 28, 2025

2 min read

There are certain diseases in which it is unsafe for the person to drink alcohol. Diabetes is not one of them, but with this diagnosis, the use of alcohol should be treated with caution and one should know how to cope with the possible negative consequences.

Key takeaways

There are certain diseases in which it is unsafe for the person to drink alcohol.
Alcohol and hypoglycemia
Alcohol and carbohydrates

Who this is for

People exploring Diabetes through diabetes, alcohol.

Why it matters

This piece helps you get oriented quickly, then move into a collection or series if you want to keep going.

Article author

Dr. Tatjana

Endocrinologist

Alcohol and hypoglycemia

While moderate amounts of alcohol (like semi-dry or sweet wines) can raise blood sugar levels, excessive alcohol, especially 40 % strength or higher, can lower it. This can sometimes lead to dangerous blood sugar levels, especially for people with type 1 diabetes.

If you use insulin or diabetes medication, there is a risk of hypoglycemia — blood sugar levels falling below 4 mmol/liter. Hypoglycemia can occur quickly, or it can occur within 24 hours of drinking. Since the instinct for self-preservation is significantly reduced after drinking, it is important to know the symptoms of hypoglycemia and be able to distinguish them from normal intoxication to take action in time.

Alcohol can increase triglyceride levels and blood pressure as well as cause nausea and rapid heartbeat. It also negatively affects the important function of the liver to store extra glucose, and release it back into the blood when blood sugar levels drop. The risk of hypoglycemia is especially high if you drink alcohol on an empty stomach.

Alcohol and carbohydrates

Alcohol makes it difficult to control your caloric intake because many alcoholic drinks contain carbohydrates and calories. In addition, alcohol stimulates appetite, which can lead to overeating and affect blood sugar levels. It is even more difficult to count carbohydrates if, for example, you not only eat at a party but also engage in physical activity such as dancing. Therefore, it is better to consult a doctor in advance about what dose of medication should be taken in such situations.

What to drink

Follow these guidelines when deciding whether to drink alcohol:

Give up sweet wines and liqueurs. If you drink them, mix them with water, soda, or diet soft drinks.
Low-alcohol wines are also not a good option, as they often have more sugar than regular wines.
Some drinks, such as beer, ale, and cider, are high in carbohydrates and immediately raise blood sugar levels.
The best choices are dry wines and Prosecco, which don't have as much sugar.
Lovers of strong drinks can drink rum, vodka, cognac, and whiskey, but in small quantities and no more than 1–2 times a week. Remember that these have a stronger sugar-lowering effect than wine.

Drink alcohol slowly, as drinking too quickly can lead to a negative reaction. Drink alcohol only with meals and watch how much you drink. Be sure to have your medications with you regularly.

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