Share on Pinterest Red wine can help people with type 2 diabetes to avoid heart disease. Moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to improved cardiovascular and total mortality rates, and a glass of red wine a day as part of a healthy diet has been considered beneficial for some time.
Research suggests that moderate consumption of red wine could have health benefits for those with type 2 diabetes. A glass of red wine with dinner may help lower glucose levels, reducing the body's need for insulin. This occurs as the liver, which produces glucose, must first handle the metabolization of alcohol.
It's one drink a day for women and up to two per day for men. However, that “drink” is a lot smaller than some people think: just five ounces of wine, a 12-ounce beer, or one and a half ounces of 80-proof spirits. A daily cocktail or two may improve blood sugar (blood glucose) management and insulin sensitivity.
What to know about diabetes and drinking wine. Most people with diabetes can drink alcohol, including wine, as long as they do not have another medical condition that makes drinking unsafe. Wine may even offer some protective health benefits in small quantities.
Avoid low-sugar beers and cider – sometimes called diabetic drinks. They might have less sugar, but there's more alcohol in them. Avoid low-alcohol wines – these often have more sugar than normal ones. If you do choose these, just stick to a glass or two.
Diabetics should avoid coke or any soft drinks as much as possible. Coke Zero is sugar-free. However, the sugar substitutes it contains may not necessarily be a healthier option for people looking to reduce their blood sugar levels.
Sugar-free wine does not have carbs in an amount that would impact your blood sugar or state of ketosis. Most conventional red and white wines have about 3-4 net carbs per serving. Some bone-dry rosé and sparkling wines like prosecco only have 2 net carbs per serving.
White wine tends to have a lower alcohol content than red wine, making it low-calorie alcohol in comparison. Sparkling wine like champagne is the ultimate low-calorie alcohol – always opt for the brut nature version as this also has the least sugar of all too.
About 88 million people have prediabetes, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. There is no cure for type 2 diabetes. But it may be possible to reverse the condition to a point where you do not need medication to manage it and your body does not suffer ill effects from having blood sugar levels that are too high.
The following are important things to remember if you choose to drink alcohol and have diabetes: Choose healthier options like light beer, dry wine, or hard liquor mixed with soda water and citrus.
Our results indicate that patients with well-controlled Type 2 diabetes can drink moderate amounts of wine with meals without risking acute deterioration of glycaemic control. Whether the wine is dry or sweet has no impact on the glycaemic control.
Stay hydrated
Aim for at least eight cups of water per day and try to drink a glass of water first thing in the morning.
Pomegranate juice is said to help lower blood sugar levels within 15 minutes of drinking it.
Unsurprisingly, straight spirits contain the least amount of calories as are nearly entirely ethanol without added sugar. Vodka is the alcohol with the lowest calories, at around 100 calories per shot (that's a 50ml double-measure). Whisky is slightly more, at roughly 110 calories a shot.
Heavy drinking, particularly in diabetics, also can cause the accumulation of certain acids in the blood that may result in severe health consequences. Finally, alcohol consumption can worsen diabetes-related medical complications, such as disturbances in fat metabolism, nerve damage, and eye disease.
When you quit drinking you also stop consuming an excessive amount of carbohydrates. This can, in turn, reduce your risk of weight gain and obesity, which will also improve your blood sugar levels.