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