Can diabetics drink beer? (and other questions)

Diabetics should avoid drinking beer, because alcoholic beverages can increase or decrease blood sugar levels, causing hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.

Furthermore, the consumption of beer and other alcoholic beverages also stimulates the appetite, leading to excessive food intake and which can cause weight gain and alter blood sugar levels.

However, when diabetes and glucose levels are controlled, and with the doctor’s approval, the person with diabetes can consume beer in moderation.

Main risks of drinking beer

The main risks of drinking beer in diabetes are:

• Hyperglycemia: as it has good amounts of carbohydrates, beer can cause hyperglycemia, which is an increase in blood glucose levels. Furthermore, alcohol can cause dehydration which can also cause sugar levels to rise;
• Hypoglycemia: the alcohol present in beer is metabolized in the liver, and while this process occurs, the production of glucose is inhibited, which can cause hypoglycemia, which is the reduction of sugar levels below normal;
• Weight gain: as it is a drink rich in calories, beer can cause weight gain, in addition to increasing the risk of accumulating belly fat;
• Increase in triglycerides and blood pressure.

The alcohol present in beer can also interact with insulin or oral antidiabetic medications, altering their effects on the body.

Additionally, because many symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as slurred speech, sleepiness, mental confusion, or difficulty walking, are also symptoms of drunkenness, it can be difficult to identify the two.

Maximum amount of beer in diabetes

The maximum amount of beer a diabetic can drink per day is:

• Men: up to 2 doses, which is equivalent to 710 ml of beer per day;
• Women: up to 1 dose, which is equivalent to 355 ml of beer per day.

The maximum amount of other drinks that can also be consumed by diabetics includes 150 ml of wine per day or 45 ml of distilled drinks, such as whiskey or vodka with 40% alcohol per day. These amounts are calculated for women. In the case of men, double these amounts can be considered.

Can diabetics drink zero alcohol beer?

Diabetics can drink zero-alcohol beer, as this version does not interfere with glucose production, keeping blood sugar levels balanced and preventing hypoglycemia.

However, non-alcoholic beer still contains sugar and should therefore also be consumed in moderation to avoid increasing blood glucose levels and weight gain.

Is there sugar-free beer?

Because it is produced with cereals, such as malt and barley, beer contains sugar that is naturally produced through the fermentation of these foods. In addition, some beers can also have other flavors, containing added sugar, corn syrup or honey, for example.

The sugar content present in beer varies according to each type of drink. Regular beer has 0 g of sugar per 355 ml. Light beer can contain 0.3 g of sugar in every 355 ml. While non-alcoholic beer has around 8 g of sugar in every 355 ml.

Tips for drinking beer with diabetes

Some tips for consuming beer in diabetes safely are:

• Do not drink more than 2 drinks of beer per day for men, and 1 drink per day for women;
• Drink slowly;
• Avoid drinking constantly;
• Never replace a meal with beer;
• Always have a meal or snack before or right after drinking beer.

Furthermore, before and after drinking beer it is important to measure your blood glucose, especially before bed.

It is important to remember that drinking beer should only be done when diabetes and glucose levels are controlled, and with the permission of your doctor.