Alcohol and Type 2 Diabetes: What You Need to Know About Drinking with Diabetes
- Jay
- Apr 18
- 3 min read
Personally I'm not a massive drinker but I have seen the effects of alcohol on people I know and care about, but this blog isn't just about that I want to talk about the internal effects it may have on some people and maybe ways to help improve your health but maybe still being able to have a drink or two now and then.
A drink after work, a cheeky glass of wine with dinner, or a celebratory cocktail feels pretty harmless, right? Well, alcohol and type 2 diabetes have a sneaky relationship in your blood sugar roller-coaster — and not in a good way.
Whether you're newly diagnosed, managing your condition long-term, or just curious about the effects of alcohol on diabetes, you're in the right place. Grab a cuppa (or… maybe skip the wine for now), and let’s dive in.
🍸 How Alcohol Affects Blood Sugar When You Have Type 2 Diabetes
Understanding how alcohol and type 2 diabetes interact is key to avoiding both blood sugar highs and dangerous lows.
Here’s the thing — alcohol has a complicated relationship with our blood sugar levels. It’s not just about the sugar content in our drinks, it actually changes how your liver works.

Your liver is like your body’s sugar warehouse — it stores and releases glucose as needed. But when you drink, your liver prioritises processing alcohol over releasing glucose. That can lead to dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially if you’re taking insulin or certain medications.
And then there's the flip side. Sugary drinks like margaritas, sweet wines, and some beers can spike blood sugar levels quickly, leaving you feeling tired, moody, and out of whack.
Key takeaway: Alcohol can either spike or crash your blood sugar — and sometimes both. It's unpredictable and needs careful planning if you have type 2 diabetes.
👉 Take my quiz to discover how alcohol and type 2 diabetes may affect your unique body. Take quiz
🍹The Hidden Dangers of Alcohol and Type 2 Diabetes
Okay, blood sugar aside, let’s talk about the bigger health picture.
Regular alcohol use can lead to:
Weight gain – Empty calories and sugar in alcohol add up fast.
Insulin resistance – Alcohol can make your body less sensitive to insulin over time.
Liver stress – If you already have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (common in type 2 diabetics), alcohol adds fuel to the fire.
Mental health dips – Alcohol is a depressant and can mess with your sleep, mood, and energy levels. All of which are crucial when you're managing a chronic condition.
And let’s not forget those “I’ll just skip dinner and drink instead” moments. Skipping meals while drinking is a fast track to hypoglycemia, especially if you're on medication.
If you’ve ever been Googling “Can people with type 2 diabetes drink alcohol?” – the short answer is yes, but there are strings attached. Big ones.
🍾 Smart Drinking Tips for Managing Alcohol and Type 2 Diabetes
Here’s the good news — you don’t have to go teetotal unless you want to. The goal is balance, awareness, and knowing your numbers.
Here are some diabetes-friendly drinking tips:
Choose low-carb alcohol options: Think dry wines, spirits with soda water, or light beers. Guinness is my go to if/when I pop out
Eat before you drink: Never drink on an empty stomach. Most of us learn this hard way (youth)
Track your blood sugar: Before and after you drink. Make it part of your routine.
Limit intake: Stick to the recommended 1 drink per day for women, 2 for men — max. If you don't do this, it doesn't actually mean make up for it on a weekend (sorry)
Hydrate: Water between drinks helps slow you down and keeps blood sugar more stable.
Want even more tailored tips?
🎯 Take my Quiz now to find out how alcohol fits into your unique health plan. Personalised insights in under 2 minutes!
🎉 You’re in Control – Not the Alcohol
At the end of the day, you call the shots (pun intended). Understanding how alcohol affects type 2 diabetes is the first step toward better blood sugar control, more energy, and a lifestyle that still includes the things you enjoy — with a side of mindfulness.
Living well with alcohol and type 2 diabetes is possible — it just takes the right tools and knowledge.
Want help figuring out how alcohol affects YOU specifically?
Take my quiz and get your personalised results today! 👉 Take the quiz now
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