The body, diabetes, and alcohol

Before a night out on the town, it's worth knowing how alcohol might affect your diabetes management.

The liver is a fundamental part of maintaining blood glucose levels. It is a glucose reservoir, this means that when glucose levels drop, the liver normally releases glucose. This function is impaired following alcohol-consumption due to the liver working on breaking down the alcohol. This impairment extends hours after you stop drinking. This is when the blood glucose levels drop and can lead to hypoglycaemia. 

Its important to keep in mind that alcohol can also lower the effectiveness of certain medications. If you are taking medication, we recommend that you consult with a healthcare professional before consuming alcohol.

Additionally, alcohol often contains sugar, this means that once the liver is done digesting alcohol, the sugar is finally dealt with, leading to a rise in blood glucose or hyperglycaemia.

Being drunk and dancing – which often happens when drinking – are further aspects to consider. Dancing can be quite strenuous exercise, which usually lowers blood glucose. Drinking can also result in poor judgement; this can mean poor food and drink choices, which further complicates diabetes management because these choices may impact your glucose levels.