Alcohol makes hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose levels) more likely to occur. If your diabetes is well controlled and you stick well within the Government's daily guidelines, drinking probably won't affect short-term blood glucose control. However, drinking above the recommended guidelines can result in serious hypoglycaemia, particularly if you are taking insulin or sulphonylurea tablets or if you haven't eaten enough carbohydrate.

Delayed hypoglycaemia may occur up to 16 hours after heavy drinking. So if you overdo it, keep your blood glucose levels topped up with carbohydrate. After drinking, make sure you have carbohydrate before you go to bed and at breakfast, and monitor your blood glucose levels closely.

When you drink, follow these useful tips:

• If you drink alcohol, make sure it's ALWAYS shortly before, during or after a meal
• Never drink on an empty stomach. The alcohol will be absorbed into your blood stream too quickly
• Do not substitute alcoholic drinks for your usual meal or snacks. It could lead to hypoglycaemia
• If you're watching your weight, remember all alcoholic drinks contain calories. They can also make you feel hungry
• You may be less aware of the symptoms of hypoglycaemia when you are drinking, so always wear some form of diabetes identification

For more information on alcohol and diabetes, talk to your Dietitian, Diabetes Specialist Nurse or GP or visit www.diabetes.org.uk