The general advice on drinking alcohol is the same for people with diabetes is the same as it is for everyone else.
​
Please see the links below for guides and advice on alcohol:-
https://www.nhs.uk/news/food-and-diet/new-alcohol-advice-issued/
​
How to calculate the number of units in a drink:-
​
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/calculating-alcohol-units/
​
Where to go if you think you may have a problem with alcohol:-
​
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support
People with diabetes also need to be aware that alcohol can affect blood glucose in surprising ways. Alcohol can reduce blood glucose and therefore causes an extra risk of hypo. This can be extremely dangerous as awareness of a low blood sugar is reduced if you have been drinking. These effects are particularly dangerous for people on insulin or other medication that can result in low blood glucose levels.
Please also be aware of the high carbohydrate content of mixers. Choose diet or sugar free mixers and if in a pub or restaurant. If a diet mixer is not available ask if they have children’s drinks because these are often sugar free so can be used as a mixer e.g. children’s lemonade.