Diabetes is considered a serious condition. If it’s left untreated or uncontrolled it can lead to a number of complications, such as eye problems, foot problems, heart attack and stroke.
To control your blood sugar level it’s advised people make changes to their diet and lifestyle. For example eating a healthy, balanced diet is key.
But is it safe to drink alcohol?
Diabetes UK states: “Yes, you can still drink, but you need to be aware of how it can affect your body and how to manage this.
“For example, drinking can make you more likely to have a hypo [when blood sugar falls to a dangerous level], because alcohol makes your blood sugars drop.
“It can affect your weight too, as there can be a lot of calories in alcoholic drinks.”
It’s safest not to regularly drink more than 14 units a week, according to the charity. These guidelines are the same for men and women.
This means you shouldn’t drink more than six medium glasses of wine or six pints of larger a week.
There are also four things you should make sure to do the morning after you’ve been drinking.
The diabetes charity says: “If you end up having one too many, drinking a pint of water before you go to bed will help keep you hydrated. If you’re lucky, it may help prevent a hangover in the morning. If you do wake up with a hangover, it’ll still helps to drink plenty of water.
“And always have breakfast – it will help you manage your blood sugar. If you can’t face food or you’ve been sick, drink as many fluids as you can, including some sugary (non-diet) drinks.
“If you’ve got a blood sugar metre a home, check your levels regularly the next day. The symptoms of having a hypo are similar to feelings of a hangover, so you need to know if you’re having one. No matter how awful you feel, you need to treat a hypo straight away. Don’t ignore it.
“If you take insulin, you might need to change your dose depending on what your levels are. Talk to your healthcare team about what your should be doing.”
If you are going to drink, there are certain drinks you should opt for over others.
Spirits, dry wines and Prosecco may be the best choice.
Some drinks like beers, ales and ciders contain carbs and will increase your blood sugar levels.
You should also opt for diet or sugar-free mixers with any spirits.
You should avoid low-sugar beers and cider. They may have less sugar, but there’s more alcohol in them.
Just one pint of a low-sugar beer can bring you above the legal limit.
Also void low-alcohol wines. These often have more sugar than normal ones.
If you do choose these, just stick to a glass or two.
Try to limit drinks with a lot of sugar, such as sweet sherries, sweet wines and liqueurs.