Can I Drink Alcohol If I Have Type 2 Diabetes?

Finding out that you have type 2 diabetes means finding out that you’ll need to make some changes to your diet and lifestyle to manage your condition, avoid risks and complications, and stay healthy. Many people agonize over whether they’ll still be able to eat their favorite foods or engage in the activities that bring them joy. For a lot of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the question weighing on their minds may be whether they can still go out and enjoy a cocktail with their friends, a beer at a ballgame, or a glass of wine at the end of the day.

The relationship between diabetes and alcohol is a complicated one. But the simple answer is that most people with type 2 diabetes can consume alcohol, but only in moderation and only if they closely monitor the effect that the drinks have on their blood sugar levels.

Moderate Drinking Is OK, But Make Sure You Know What “Moderate” Means

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), moderate drinking should not inherently cause health problems for individuals with type 2 diabetes. But “moderate” may not mean what you think it means; in fact, you may see moderate alcohol consumption as minimal alcohol consumption.

The ADA defines moderate drinking for type 2 diabetes as two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.  A “drink” means just five ounces of wine, a 12-ounce beer, or one and a half ounces of an 80-proof spirit.

Alcohol’s Effect on Blood Sugar Levels

A daily drink or two may improve blood sugar management and insulin sensitivity, but that does not mean you should start drinking alcohol if you don’t do so now. If you consume more than the moderate amounts described above, you could elevate both your blood sugar and A1C levels.  Additionally, because of alcohol’s effect on the body and its interactions with diabetes medications, particularly insulin and sulfonylureas,  alcohol consumption can lead to unpredictable blood sugar levels. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is perhaps the most significant potential risk from drinking, especially if you knock back that drink on an empty stomach.

Of course, excessive alcohol consumption can have the same negative consequences for people with type 2 diabetes as it does for people without the condition. But those consequences, such as an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, or nerve damage, can pose an even greater threat to the health of those with diabetes.

Monitoring Glucose Levels When Drinking Alcohol

As noted, drinking alcohol can have unpredictable and varying effects on blood sugar levels. Carb and calorie consumption, as well as medications, can all interact to create unexpected highs and lows. That is why regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is an essential complement to a healthy lifestyle in managing diabetes, especially if you drink regularly.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is a tested, approved, and easy-to-use transceiver device that helps those with diabetes stay in control of their condition and their lives without the need for inconvenient and burdensome finger-pricking multiple times a day.

If you have recently received a diagnosis of diabetes, ask your doctor about CGM and contact us today to see if you qualify for CGM and access our guide to continuous glucose monitoring.

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If you are not insured, or have a high deductible health insurance plan, you can still purchase the Freestyle Libre Reader and Sensors at extremely competitive prices. Prices starting as low as $99 per month

*Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol, when symptoms do not match system readings when you suspect readings may be in accurate, or when you experience symptoms that may be due to high or low blood glucose.

Reference 1: Data on file. Abbott Diabetes Care. 2, FreeStyle Libre 14 day User’s Manual

Indications and Important Safety Information

FreeStyle Libre and FreeStyle Libre 14 day Flash Glucose Monitoring systems are continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices indicated for replacing blood glucose testing and detecting trends and tracking patterns aiding in the detection of episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, facilitating both acute and long-term therapy adjustments in persons (age 18 and older) with diabetes. The systems are intended for single patient use and require a prescription.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Remove the sensor before MRI, CT scan, X-ray, or diathermy treatment.

WARNINGS/LIMITATIONS: Do not ignore symptoms that may be due to low or high blood glucose, hypoglycemic unawareness, or dehydration. Check sensor glucose readings with a blood glucose meter when Check Blood Glucose symbol appears, when symptoms do not match system readings, or when readings are suspected to be inaccurate. The system does not have alarms unless the sensor is scanned, and the system contains small parts that may be dangerous if swallowed. The system is not approved for pregnant women, persons on dialysis, or critically-ill population. Sensor placement is not approved for sites other than the back of the arm and standard precautions for transmission of blood borne pathogens should be taken. The built-in blood glucose meter is not for use on dehydrated, hypotensive, in shock, hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state, with or without ketosis, neonates, critically-ill patients, or for diagnosis or screening of diabetes. When using FreeStyle LibreLink app, access to a blood glucose monitoring system is required as the app does not provide one. Review all product information before use or contact Abbott Toll Free (855-632-8658) or visit www.freestylelibre.us for detailed indications for use and safety information.html. . FreeStyle, Libre, and related brand marks are trademarks of Abbott Diabetes Care Inc. in various jurisdictions. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2018 Abbott. ADC-09691 vLO 10/18

*The FreeStyle LibreLink app and the FreeStyle Libre 14 day reader have similar but not identical features. Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol, when symptoms do not match system readings, when you suspect readings may be inaccurate, or when you experience symptoms that may be due to high or low blood glucose.

The FreeStyle Libre 2 app and the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader have similar but not identical features. Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol and when your glucose alarms and readings from the system do not match symptoms or expectations

‡‡‡Based on the sensor being replaced once every 14 days, and scanned at least once every 8 hours.

§§§Glucose readings are not available during 1-hour warm-up, when sensor is too hot or too cold, when you see an error or "LO" or "HI" message, or no current glucose reading