Alcohol makes hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose levels) more likely to occur. However, as long as your diabetes is well controlled, moderate amounts of alcohol in line with the above daily guidelines can be drunk shortly before, during or soon after a meal without affecting short-term blood glucose control.
Never drink on an empty stomach as the alcohol will be absorbed too quickly into your bloodstream. If you are drinking throughout the evening snack on something starchy like breadsticks or crisps.
Do not substitute alcoholic drinks for your usual meal or snacks as this may lead to a hypo (hypoglycaemia).
Serious hypoglycaemia can occur with larger quantities of alcohol, particularly if you are treated with insulin and especially if too little carbohydrate is eaten. If this could apply to you, always make sure you take some carbohydrate before going to bed after drinking. Useful snacks include toast, cereal and sandwiches, although chips or pizza on the way home may be an easier, albeit unhealthier, option.
The liver gets rid of alcohol at the rate of about one unit per hour but this can vary. If you drink more than a few units in the evening you will have an increased risk of hypos that may occur up to 16 hours after heavy drinking. It is vital you keep your blood glucose levels topped up with carbohydrate and always remember to eat something at breakfast time. Monitor your blood glucose levels closely.
Remember that you, or those with you, may be less aware of your hypo symptoms when you are drinking so always wear some form of diabetes identification. A hypo can be confused with drunkenness when there is the smell of alcohol on your breath.
Reviewed: May 2009