O MeA e tAtAU OnA e IlOA - Australian Diabetes Council

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Diabetes and Alcohol
Too much alcohol is harmful for everyone, including people with diabetes. However, people
with diabetes may still drink some alcohol. If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation and be
aware of the following:
• Alcohol can increase body weight, blood pressure and some blood fats. This can make it
harder to manage your diabetes and increases your risk of heart disease.
• People who use insulin or take some diabetes tablets can have a very low blood glucose
level (hypoglycaemia) after drinking alcohol.Always eat carbohydrate food when drinking
alcohol. Ideally drink alcohol with a meal but if this is not possible snack on carbohydrate
foods like low fat crackers, pretzels or bread.
• The symptoms of drunkenness and hypoglycaemia are similar. People may not offer
you help if they think that you are just drunk. Let the people with you know that you have
diabetes and what to do if you have hypoglycaemia.
Drink alcohol in moderation
Moderate drinking means no more than 2 standard drinks for both women and men per day.
A standard drink is a 285 ml of full strength beer, 375 ml mid-strength beer, 425 ml of light
beer (less than 3% alcohol), 100ml wine or 30ml spirits. It’s a good idea to include alcohol free
days each week.
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To help reduce how much alcohol you drink
try diluting it by adding water, soda water or
diet soft drink. You could also try alternating
between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.