Type 2 Diabetes is in the spotlight next week (May 10-16, 2021) as it’s Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week. GP Dr Sarah Brewer shares how alcohol intake affects those with the disease and what you need to know.

For some people, having a few drinks is part of everyday life and they wouldn’t think twice about having a couple of beverages on a Friday night. If you have Type 2 Diabetes, drinking alcohol, even on the odd occasion, can become more complicated for your health. If you are living with this condition, or are simply worried about developing it, it’s a good idea to be considerate with the amount you drink.

Can alcohol cause Type 2 Diabetes?

One of the largest studies to investigate the effects of alcohol consumption and the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes found that compared to abstainers, intakes of less than 63g of alcohol per day were associated with a reduced risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

The greatest risk reduction occurred at an intake of 10g to 14g per day, which reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 18%. Once alcohol intake increased above the threshold of 63g, the risk of developing diabetes also increased.

In the UK, one unit of alcohol is 10ml (or 8g). Both men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week on a regular basis, spreading these over 3 or more days. However, even the upper recommended maximum of 14 units provides 112g (14 x 8) of alcohol – significantly more than what was found to be beneficial in the diabetes study mentioned above.”

What effect can alcohol have on someone living with diabetes? 

When you have diabetes, drinking alcohol can cause your blood glucose levels to either rise or fall, depending on how much you have eaten. It also depends on how much alcohol you consume, how quickly, and the amount of carbohydrate present in the drink or mixer. Beer and sweet wine can cause blood glucose levels to rise, for example.

Alcohol also stimulates your appetite, so you are more likely to overeat. It can affect your judgement and willpower, so you are less likely to make healthy food choices. Alcohol also provides ‘empty’ calories that are readily converted into fat in the body. It also contributes to fatty changes in the liver and pancreas, which are associated with insulin resistance.

What is your advice on drinking alcohol when living with diabetes?

Your doctor may suggest that you only drink one or two units of alcohol per day. Also, that you only drink alcohol when your blood glucose levels are well controlled and that you avoid sugary drinks and mixers.

As well as making healthier choices, you can look to herbs and plant extracts to support balanced blood sugar levels. CuraLin (curalife.com) is a specially formulated dietary supplement containing 10 herbs traditionally used to support insulin sensitivity, helping to keep blood glucose levels under control.

Dr Sarah Brewer is an author of numerous books on health and wellbeing. She is an advocate of CBD oil and has written about CBD and Diabetes on her website. Dr Brewer is also a brand ambassador for Curalife, a website dedicated to helping people reduce Type 2 Diabetes.

Read our article on 7 ways to beat Type 2 Diabetes

Also, the July issue, which will be on sale June 8, 2021, contains a 22-page section all on Type 2 Diabetes.