Tips Before You Sip
People with diabetes should follow the same guidelines as those for the general public who choose to drink alcoholic beverages. Moderation is key. Women should have no more than one drink per day and men should have no more than two drinks per day. One 12 ounce beer is considered one drink.
For good blood glucose control and weight management you need to evaluate both the calories and carbohydrate content of beer before drinking. Heavy craft beer can have double the carbohydrate and calories compared to light beer.
- 12 oz Light Beer; 60-100 calories; 2-8 grams carbohydrate
- 12 oz Beer; 120-150 calories; 10-12 grams carbohydrate
- 12 oz Stout Beer; up to 300 calories; up to 20 grams carbohydrate
Don’t forget to check with your doctor or diabetes health care team to determine if drinking beer is safe for you. Many individuals who are taking certain over-the-counter or prescription medications should not drink alcoholic beverages.