Elevated levels of those compounds can cause nausea, vomiting, impaired mental functioning, coma, and even death. Ketoacidosis is caused by complete or near-complete lack of insulin and by excessive glucagon diabetes and alcohol levels. Among their many functions, insulin and glucagon regulate the conversion of fat molecules (i.e., fatty acids) into larger molecules (i.e., triglycerides), which are stored in the fat tissue.

Also, alcohol interferes with blood sugar levels, so it is best to control consumption to avoid or lessen risks. When someone battles alcoholism, they will struggle with controlling how much and how often they consume alcohol. This can be problematic for https://ecosoberhouse.com/ a person who needs to continually monitor their blood glucose level. Alcohol abuse may also contribute to even more unhealthy eating patterns, as a person may substitute alcohol for food, or eat more food to try and change their blood sugar levels.

Diabetes and Alcohol Consumption

Her work with transgender patients has been published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society and Transgender Health. Dr. Casimiro also serves on graduate and medical school program committees and is a clinical instructor at the University of Chicago. Dr. Casimiro received her PhD in biomedical research from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and her medical degree from the University of Washington.

• Don’t use dangerous equipment, or engage in activities that require coordination, concentration, or alertness.
• If you have both type 1 or type 2 diabetes and drink alcohol you may be at a heightened risk for diabetes complications.
• 3A standard drink contains 12 grams (approximately 0.5 ounce) of pure alcohol.
• This amount is equal to one 12-ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits.
• You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Kerr D, Macdonald A, Heller SR, Tattersall RB. Alcohol causes hypoglycaemic unawareness in healthy volunteers and patients with Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes. Choose “light” beers—they are lowest in carbs, calories, and alcohol. Hoppy craft beers like IPAs and stouts tend to be much higher in carbs, usually 15 grams or more per serving.

What Are the Effects of Alcohol on Diabetes?

So if you know you’re going to have more than one beer while you’re watching a game, stick with light beers. Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. One drink equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor .