Alcohol
Having diabetes does not mean that you have to be teetotal. It is very important, however, to drink in moderation.
Alcohol can lower the blood glucose so it is important that people with diabetes do not drink on an empty stomach. Meals or snacks should not be replaced with alcohol.
Alcohol is broken down by the liver and interferes with the way that the liver normally works which is to break down glucose from glycogen. Drinking too much can cause an increased risk of hypoglycaemia. Alcohol slows down the release of glucose from the liver when blood glucose starts to drop. Other risks are increased dangers when driving and risk of weight gain.
Recommended safe consumption of alcohol is three units for men two for women per day. One unit is half a pint of ordinary beer or lager or a single measure of spirit (whisky, gin, rum, vodka etc).
It is better to drink less alcohol if weight is a problem; consumption should be reduced and have two to three alcohol free days per week. Just stick to ordinary lagers, beers, and wine, and spirits with low sugar mixers.
Resources
Find here links to patient information resources which support this topic. You may also wish to refer to information about the national service frameworks and strategies across the UK.
Alcohol misuse
The 'in close-up' section of the RCN's clinical governance resource currently focuses on the topic of alcohol misuse. This resource signposts:
- policies and strategies across the UK for the prevention and treatment of alcohol misuse
- sources offering guidance on implementing evidence and research for effective interventions, and further learning opportunities for practitioners
- recent reports which bring together evidence on trends in alcohol use, the effects of alcohol misuse and assess the impact of current policies and interventions
- key charities and organisations offering further support and resources.
To view the resource, visit: alcohol misuse
The RCN Learning Zone has a learning area on alcohol and minimal interventions. This resource can be found in the clinical skills section of the Learning Zone. Visit the RCN Learning Zone.
Patient information
Diabetes UK: alcohol and diabetes
Outlines what you need to be aware of when drinking alcohol. The section also tells you how to calculate units for different types of alcoholic drinks.
Drinkaware: alcohol and diabetes
Drinkaware is an independent UK-wide charity which works with drinks companies and retailers to help tackle alcohol misuse and with various organisations as part of the charity’s educational, community and awareness campaigning function.
YouthHealthtalk: diabetes type 1 - drinking and alcohol
This section of the YouthHealthtalk website provides information and advice about drinking and alcohol for young people with diabetes.
There are separate resources lists for other specific aspects of treatment and lifestyle - see treatment and lifestyle topics.