The effect of different beers on blood glucose concentrations in insulin‐dependent diabetes

Abstract

Changes in blood glucose concentrations following consumption of four different beers (carbohydrate content 1.4‐12.1g per half pint; alcohol concentration 3.3‐5.5% v/v) were examined in seven insulin‐dependent men (age 21‐41 years; duration of diabetes 5‐27 years), who were studied on four evenings, on each occasion drinking a different beer but eating an identical meal. Blood samples were taken before drinking began, at half to one hour intervals during the evening and before breakfast the next morning. The peak increment in blood glucose concentration was linearly related to the carbohydrate content of the beer (r = 0.95,p<0.01), though there were no statistically significant differences between individual beers. Pre‐breakfast blood glucose concentrations of <3.5 mmol/l occurred on six out of 14 occasions after the two low carbohydrate beers but on only two out of 14 occasions after the two higher carbohydrate beers (p=0.09). If patients follow the advice given by the BDA on alcohol consumption we suggest that they choose beers and lagers with a carbohydrate content of 3‐7g per half pint (275 ml) and an alcohol concentration equal to or less than five per cent.

A review of the challenges, glycaemic risks and self‐care for people with type 1 diabetes when consuming alcoholic beverages

“…Comparable hypoglycaemic findings were demonstrated in the afternoon when low carbohydrate beer was consumed without food, although data collection was only for 3 hours . In comparison, consuming higher carbohydrate beer with low alcohol ABV showed less hypoglycaemia at breakfast the following day …”

“…Beer. Low carbohydrate beer with high ABV, in conjunction with an evening meal, has been shown to increase hypoglycaemia at bedtime and at breakfast . Comparable hypoglycaemic findings were demonstrated in the afternoon when low carbohydrate beer was consumed without food, although data collection was only for 3 hours .…”

“…In one study, ordinary beer that had a high glycaemic index (comparable to white bread), required prandial insulin; however, as the study duration was limited to 3 hours, the delayed effect was not studied . Bolus insulin may be required with ordinary and high carbohydrate beer with low <5% ABV, as hyperglycaemia may occur after consumption …”

“…Data extraction for 15 studies is presented in Appendix 1. The length of time blood glucose was monitored following alcohol consumption varied between individual studies with seven running >12 hours overnight and four for <3 hours duration . Those with shorter periods of measurement clearly had the potential to miss late changes in blood glucose.…”