Diabetes and alcohol

Abstract

Drinking alcohol in moderation may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and, among those with type 2 diabetes, may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve fasting blood glucose levels. Drinking alcohol increases the risk of hypoglycaemia in people on insulin, and worsens the cognitive impairment of hypoglycaemia, reducing warning, and impeding appropriate treatment by the patient and bystanders. Increasing alcohol intake increasingly worsens diabetes self-care. People with diabetes of all ages need better, targeted advice about alcohol. Those who are at current or future risk of harm from alcohol need better help to reduce or stop drinking.