It is okay for people with diabetes to drink alcohol if their diabetes is under control and they do not drink too much. Alcohol can make blood sugar levels fall too low. Therefore, people with diabetes are advised to drink alcohol with a meal, not by itself.

Alcohol has calories in it. If weight is a problem for you, limit how much beer, wine or liquor you drink to save calories. The mixers used in some drinks are also high in sugar and calories. If you use insulin, limit alcohol to two drinks per day, drink only with a meal and do not reduce your usual amount of food.

If you don't use insulin, substitute alcohol for fat calories. Limit intake to one occasional drink if you have high triglycerides, a kind of blood fat.

Do not use alcohol if you have a history of alcohol abuse or if you are pregnant. If you take Diabenese, a diabetic pill, drinking alcohol will cause vomiting and sweating.

Tell your healthcare provider if you use alcohol often. For more information about alcohol and diabetes, contact the American Diabetes Foundation at (800) 878-1504.

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