Articles
Diabetes nutrition: Eating out when you have diabetes
Watch the extras
Ask for what you want
Watch what you drink
Eat on time
Remember the ground rules
Content
Plan ahead
Keep portion sizes in check
Make substitutions
Extras add up
Drinks matter, too
Alcohol and diabetes
Staying on schedule
Save room for dessert
Don't forget nutrition ground rules
Movement helps, too
Alcohol and diabetes
If your diabetes is well managed and your doctor agrees, an occasional alcoholic drink with a meal is usually fine. But keep in mind that alcohol adds empty calories.
If you use insulin or other medications that lower blood sugar, alcohol can cause a potentially dangerous low blood sugar level. If you use these medications and drink alcohol, be sure to eat something while drinking.
If you drink alcohol, choose options with fewer calories and carbohydrates, such as:
- Light beer
- Dry wines
- Mixed drinks made with sugar-free mixers, such as diet soda, diet tonic, club soda or seltzer
Limit your alcohol to one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger.
