Beer Nutritional Value
It’s important to consume beer in moderation and select the best low-carb beer for diabetes, which includes light and low-carb beers.
Because most beers contain between 4% and 6% alcohol by volume (ABV), and beer has generally more carbohydrates than other alcoholic drinks like wine. However, carbohydrate is not the only nutrient in beer. 100 grams of regular alcoholic beer can contain the following nutrients [3]:
It’s no secret that the carbohydrate content of beers can vary depending on the producer's brand and type of beer. So, it’s best to choose a beer with fewer calories and carbohydrates like light beer.
Low-carb beers usually have fewer calories than normal beers and also have zero or very low sugar content. For this reason, they provide many benefits for individuals with diabetes.
Learn More: The 20 Best Low-Carb Beers: Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Options
The Benefits of Drinking Low-Carb Beer for Diabetics
For individuals with diabetes, choosing low-carb beer over regular beer can offer several benefits such as:
- Better Blood Sugar Control
- Lower Caloric Intake
- Reduced Risk of Hypoglycemia
Better Blood Sugar Control
Low-carb beers contain fewer carbohydrates than regular beers, which means they have less impact on blood sugar levels. It helps maintain stable blood sugar levels better than regular beers [4] [5].
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Lower Caloric Intake
Low-carb beers usually have fewer calories than regular beers. For diabetics who need to manage their weight, it’s a great benefit, as excess weight can negatively affect diabetes [6].
Reduced Risk of Hypoglycemia
Drinking alcohol can lower blood sugar levels, especially in those taking insulin or other diabetes medications [7].
Low-carb beers, with their lower carbohydrate content, can help mitigate the risk of dramatic blood sugar drops, reducing the symptoms of hypoglycemia [8].
Despite these benefits, if you consume too much low-carb beer, consume it on an empty stomach, or right after taking medications, it can negatively affect your health condition.
Learn More: Low-Carb Wine: The 10 Best Red and White Wines
The Risks of Drinking Low-Carb Beer for Diabetics
Diabetics can face these risks when consuming low-carb beer, especially if they consume beer regularly.
- Blood Sugar Fluctuations
- Hypoglycemia
- Reduced Awareness of Symptoms
- Dehydration
Blood Sugar Fluctuations
Low-carb beers contain fewer carbohydrates than regular beers, but they still have carbohydrates and alcohol. So if consumed in excess or on an empty stomach, they can negatively affect blood sugar levels and cause rapid spikes [9].
Hypoglycemia
Alcohol interferes with the liver's ability to release glucose into the bloodstream, which can lead to low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) in diabetic patients, especially if medication has already lowered blood sugar [10] [11]. This risk persists for several hours after drinking, even during sleep.
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Reduced Awareness of Symptoms
Drinking alcohol can make it harder for diabetics to notice when they have symptoms of low blood sugar such as dizziness, disorientation, or sleepiness [12].
They may not realize they need treatment, which could lead to serious hypoglycemia.
Dehydration
Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it promotes fluid loss through increased urination [13]. Diabetics are already at higher risk of dehydration due to high blood sugar levels, so they need to consume more water to avoid it [14].
The best way to control these risks is to know how many times and how much beer diabetics can consume.
