Diabetes Shoppe: Your Partner in Diabetes Care
Using Alcohol Wisely
Alcohol is no longer prohibited for people with diabetes, if it is consumed in
moderation. Moderation means an occasional drink - one or two drinks per week.
The overall effect of alcohol is to lower blood glucose levels. Alcohol enhances
the action of insulin and other diabetes medications. Be aware that hypoglycemia
can occur when your blood alcohol level is at or below the range of mild
intoxication when you have not eaten much or if your diabetes is under poor
control. In some people, diabetes pills (the sulfonylurea group) interact with
alcohol. Symptoms include a deep flushing, nausea,
quickened heartbeat, and impaired speech. This is termed the "disulfirarm
reaction" It occurs in 10-30% of those using pills to treat diabetes.
Don't let drinks make you careless. Whenever you have a drink, be certain meals and snacks
are taken on time and selected with usual care. A few calorie counts and exchanges are
shown in the chart listed below.
Remember, the consequences of intoxication are more significant in people with diabetes
since getting drunk might lead to skipping a planned meal or an insulin injection. When
drinking, make certain a friend is familiar with the warning signs of hypoglycemia (low
blood sugar). Sometimes these signs may be mistaken for drunkenness. Never consume alcohol
unless your doctor has given you approval for occasional use.
| Beer, lite | 90 calories / 12oz. | 2 fats |
| Beer, regular | 151 calories / 12oz. | 1 bread, 2 fats |
| Champagne | 98 calories / 4 oz. | 2 fats |
| Dry brandy | 75 calories / 1 oz. | 1-1/2 fats |
| Liquor | 105 calories / 1.5 oz. | 2 fats |
| Sherry | 73 calories / 2 oz. | 1-1/2 fats |
| Vermouth, dry | 105 calories / 3oz. | 2 fats |
| Vermouth, sweet | 141 calories / 3oz. | 1 bread, 2 fats |
| Wine, red & white | 80-85 calories / 4oz. | 2 fats |
