The American Heart Association recommends that if scales people choose to drink, they should drink moderately. One should limit alcoholic beverages to 1-2 drinks per day (A drink is one 12 oz. beer, 5 oz. of wine, 1.5 oz. of 80-proof spirits, or 1 oz. of 100-proof spirits). Studies have found that people who drink moderately have heart disease less often than nondrinkers. However, when people do drink more alcohol, public health dangers increase. These include alcoholism, high blood pressure, obesity, stroke, breast cancer, suicide, and accidents. Given these risks, we caution non-drinkers NOT to start drinking, but if individuals choose to drink they should consult their doctor on the benefits and risks of drinking alcohol in moderation. This is especially crucial for people with diabetes -- alcohol should only be used if your diabetes is under good control and your doctor/provider approves.

Who should NOT drink alcohol?

Some people should not drink alcohol:

People who do not have their diabetes under good glycemic control (ask your doctor);
Women who are trying to conceive, are pregnant, or are breast-feeding;
Anyone drinking while driving any vehicle, including a car, motorcycle, boat, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, or bicycle;
People who need to be alert while working with machinery or dangerous equipment, are engaging in challenging physical activities, or when responsible for the public order or the safety of others;
Anyone using certain prescription or over-the-counter medications;
Those who cannot limit their drinking to moderate levels, including recovering alcoholics, and people who have family members with alcohol problems;
People with specific health problems should always follow the advice of their physicians regarding alcohol use.

What happens to your body when drinking alcohol?

Alcohol tends to lower blood sugar and can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Your body can only break down one ounce of alcohol per hour. Serious health effects may occur if your diabetes is not well controlled. If your doctor approves, here are some tips for drinking alcohol:

Drink alcohol only when your diabetes is under good control,
Do not drink more than two alcoholic drinks per day,
Eat a snack or meal with your drink or drink after a meal to avoid low blood sugar.
Let friends know you are trying to keep your drinking down so they can help you by keeping a "lookout." If you start drinking more than you should, STOP, get yourself back to your plan (a slip does not have to turn into a fall!).
Reminder: Alcoholic drinks have calories. Be sure to count alcohol in your meal plan as 2 fat exchanges per drink. Beer and wine contain carbohydrates that should be counted in your total daily calories. Men: Limit to 2 drinks per day in addition to meal plan; Women (excluding pregnant women): Limit to 1 drink per day in addition to meal plan.
Drink plenty of water! Water helps your body replace lost fluids (dehydration) from drinking alcohol. Drinking 6-8 glasses (1 glass = 8 ounces) of water daily is usually recommended. Water helps your body maintain a well-functioning system. Water is the healthy, no-calorie drink!

Problems controlling your or a loved one's drinking?

If you think you or someone you know is having difficulties with controlling how much alcohol is being consumed, contact your doctor, social worker, or other health/mental health professional. Here are some resources that may be useful:

Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) World Services
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Rhode Island Alcoholics Anonymous
Rhode Island Council on Alcoholism & Other Drug Dependence (401)725-0410
Depression and Diabetes [HEALTH Site]

If your doctor/provider approves, and you choose to drink alcohol, drink moderately, drink responsibly (don't drink and drive)!

... always drink plenty of water!

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