Can people with diabetes drink alcohol?

Answer:

Consuming alcoholic beverages, in general, is not recommended for people with diabetes.

Alcohol can affect the effectiveness of diabetes medications such as insulin and oral hypoglycemic drugs, negatively impacting the disease management plan and causing abnormal increases or decreases in blood sugar levels, leading to dangerous complications.

Diabetic patients who consume alcohol over a long period, maintain an unbalanced and uncontrolled diet, consume too much energy, and fail to take medication as directed by a doctor, may experience increased blood sugar levels.

Conversely, diabetic patients who abuse alcohol but do not consume an adequate diet, especially in cases of prolonged malnutrition, can experience severe hypoglycemia.

Two people clinking glasses with alcohol. Illustration photo by Freepik

In some cases, alcohol can lead to the accumulation of excessive acid in our blood, which is known as metabolic acidosis. This can potentially be life-threatening for diabetic patients.

Consuming large amounts of these beverages can also exacerbate complications related to diabetes, such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, nerve damage, and diabetic eye disease.

To stay healthy, people with diabetes should avoid consuming alcoholic beverages. In cases where alcohol consumption is unavoidable, it is important for people with diabetes to closely monitor their blood sugar level before and after consumption to ensure that it remains within a safe range. This can help prevent any potential complications associated with alcohol and diabetes.

It is also advisable for people with diabetes to consult their healthcare provider for personalized guidance and recommendations on alcohol consumption.

Dr. Tran Dinh Manh Long

Department of Endocrinology - Diabetes, Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City