top of page

ALCOHOL

Alcohol can potentially raise your chances of moving from prediabetic to eventually Type II diabetic.  However, you can still drink alcohol but make sure you moderate it and don't go on a binge each week.  Sensible drinking applies here.  It would certainly be beneficial if you are a heavy drinker to reduce your alcohol consumption or stop altogether.

​

With prediabetes you can still have a drink, but to keep your health risks to a low level, it is safest not to drink more than 14 units per week.  If you drink 14 units a week it is best to spread that evenly over 3 days or more.

​

To help you understand what a unit is see this chart below:​​​

​

Unit reference alcohol
drinks units

ABV = Alcohol by Volume

It is better to have low-sugar and low carb alcohols such as:

​

  • Light beers  - less alcohol and fewer calories than full strength beers

  • Dry wine - less sugar than dessert wines which are sweeter

  • Distilled spirits - gin, tequila, vodka or whisky are better provided not mixed

  • Prosecco - lower in carbs

  • Lower carb cocktails - dry martinis, Bloody Marys, and Manhattans

​

Drinks best avoided or minimised substantially are:

​

  • High calorie beer

  • Dessert wine

  • Sugary mixed drinks for example pina coladas, white Russian etc

  • Fruity mixed drinks

​

Ultimately, you don't have to stop drinking, but being aware of the potential risks and   considerations when consuming alcohol.  Taking the following precautions could be beneficial.

​

  • Eat food before and while drinking alcohol.

  • Drink water before you drink alcohol so that you are not thirsty.

  • Drink alcohol slowly.  Take small sips at a time.

  • Avoid binge drinking or drinking for a long period of time.

  • Check the label on your drink to see how many standard drinks it contains. Remember that drinks served in pubs, bars and restaurants are often served in larger glasses and can contain more than one standard drink.

  • Avoid sweet wines, cordials, sugary soft drinks and fruit juice as mixers. Mix alcohol with soda water or the diet versions of soft drinks e.g. Diet Coke or Diet Lemonade. 

  • Alternate drinking alcoholic drinks with non alcoholic drinks such as sparkling water or Diet Lemonade.

  • Consider having days where you do not drink any alcohol regularly.

​

​

bottom of page