Moderate alcohol intake does not have major detrimental effect on long-term blood glucose management in diabetic patients.
Risks associated with alcohol consumption include hypoglycemia and / or delayed hypoglycemia (particularly for those using insulin or secretagogue therapy i.e., sulfonylureas (brand names: Amaryl, Diamicron, Cyblex, Glimer…..).
Also there is a resultant Weight gain, and hyperglycemia as a result of intake of excessive amounts.
People with diabetes should be educated about these risks and encourage to monitor blood glucose frequently after drinking alcohol to minimize the risk.
For women no more than one drink per day, and for men, no more than two drinks per day is recommended. (one drink is equal to a 12 ounce beer, a 5 ounce glass glass of wine and or 1.5 ounce of distilled spirits that is the whiskey). Each contains 15 g of alcohol.
