Ending Alcohol Abuse - Coping with Diabetes
Key points
- If you have diabetes and your blood glucose levels are on target, it is generally safe to drink alcohol occasionally.
- Alcohol abuse is even more dangerous for people with diabetes.
- Alcohol abuse is especially hard on the liver, where your body stores glucose.
- Ending alcohol abuse can be very difficult, but it is crucial for many reasons, including your diabetes care.
If you have diabetes and your blood glucose levels are on target, it is generally safe to drink alcohol occasionally. But if you drink too much or have trouble controlling how much alcohol you drink, you may have an alcohol abuse problem.
Alcohol abuse is even more dangerous for people with diabetes. Many of the complications of diabetes - including nerve damage, eye problems, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and heart disease - can worsen with excessive alcohol use.
Alcohol abuse is especially hard on the liver, where your body stores glucose. If your liver is damaged by alcohol, your blood glucose levels may become erratic, and you are more likely to have hypoglycemia. Long-term alcohol abuse can interfere with how you take care of your diabetes.
Ending alcohol abuse can be very difficult, but it is crucial for many reasons, including your diabetes care. If you have a problem with alcohol, or think you might have, there is help available to you. Talk to your provider, or call your local chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Your health care team can help you find the treatment you need to begin the path to recovery.
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Martha M. Funnell, MS, RN, CDE
Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Center
University of Michigan Medical School
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Robert M. Anderson, EdD
Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Center
University of Michigan Medical School
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Shereen Arent, JD
National Director of Legal Advocacy
American Diabetes Association
American Diabetes Association Complete Guide to Diabetes
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
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