Taking diabetes medication doesn’t mean you need to give up drinking alcohol. But you do need to limit your intake.
Men should not drink more than 3 units of alcohol per day.
Women should not drink more than 2 units of alcohol per day.
| A rough guide to alcohol units |
| Drink |
Measure |
Number of units |
| Beer, lager, cider |
Pint |
2-3 |
|
Spirits (eg vodka, gin, whisky) |
Single pub measure (25ml) |
1 |
| Wine |
Standard glass (175ml)
Large glass (250ml) |
Up to 2.5
3 or more |
| Important note: over the years the alcohol content of most drinks has gone up - a drink can now contain more units than you think. |
Medication for diabetes works to help lower your blood glucose levels. If your blood glucose level drops too low, the liver releases some of its stores of glucose into the bloodstream to raise your blood glucose level.
But drinking too much alcohol reduces the ability for your liver to do this, and combining this effect with some diabetes medications, greatly increases the chance of having a hypo. Also, you may be less aware of hypo warning signs when you have drunk alcohol.
Be cautious about your alcohol intake and make sure you have a starchy snack like a sandwich or crisps with your drink if you’re not having a meal.
Remember that alcohol can add extra calories and may contribute to weight gain.