DRINKING & SOCIALISING WITH DIABETES

 

Going out to parties, bars or events can be a lot of fun! When you have diabetes, you can enjoy going out with your friends and going to bars or parties, and enjoying some alcohol if you’re over 18 years old. But it pays to be prepared so you can manage your diabetes and enjoy yourself.

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There are some things people with diabetes need to think about before going out and/or drinking alcohol. The better prepared you are for a night out, the more you can focus on having a good time!

  • If you are going to eat before you go out and drink alcohol, you may need to change your inulin dose.

  • Alcohol affects your diabetes control, so you may need to do things differently to manage your blood glucose before, during and after drinking alcohol. Some people can have hypos with alcohol and their insulin may need to be withdrawn - discuss this with your GP or Diabetes Specialist Nurse.

  • Wearing your diabetes ID and telling those you are with that you have diabetes can be a lifesaver. Hypos can happen when you’re out and are more likely if you’re drinking alcohol. Others might mistake a hypo for being too drunk if you’re not wearing your diabetes ID.

  • Always carry hypo treatment with you, you never know when you might need it.

  • Sometimes, things can go wrong on a night out – it’s part of life, but knowing how to manage your diabetes if you drink too much, feel sick or have a hangover means you can be prepared for anything.

This resource can help you:

  • Plan a night out and be prepared

  • Manage your diabetes before, during and after a night out

  • Understand how drinking can affect diabetes

  • Understand how drugs can affect diabetes

  • Know what to do if something goes wrong

Alcohol Intake Guidelines for Adults

The following guidelines from NZ Ministry of Health can help you determine if your alcohol intake is harmful.

Adult men and women

Reduce your long-term health risks by drinking no more than:

  • 2 standard drinks a day for women and no more than 10 standard drinks a week

  • 3 standard drinks a day for men and no more than 15 standard drinks a week

and at least 2 alcohol-free days every week.

Reduce your risk of injury on a single occasion of drinking by drinking no more than:

  • 4 standard drinks for women on any single occasion

  • 5 standard drinks for men on any single occasion.

Pregnant women or those planning to get pregnant

  • No alcohol. Health professionals strongly recommend no alcohol use at any stage of pregnancy.