Wine contains carbohydrates, which can affect your blood sugar. Whether you have diabetes or are simply trying to control your carb intake, adjusting the amount and type of wine you drink can make a big difference. Keep in mind that wine contains no nutrients and can impair your senses. Alcohol can also interact with medications, so talk to your doctor before drinking alcoholic beverages if you're taking a prescription medication.
Step 1
Choose red wine. According to a study led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst, red wine might help control blood sugar. The study followed people with Type 2 diabetes, but the results are promising for the general population. Drinking wine can also protect your heart because it contains antioxidants.
Step 2
Avoid drinking wine with your main meals. According to registered dietitian Judy Kohn, when you don't have food in your body, your liver will produce glucose to keep your energy levels up. However, alcohol inhibits this process, causing your blood sugar to drop. In severe cases, it might lead to hypoglycemia, so it might be a good idea to avoid a large meal with your wine, but have a small snack to ensure your glucose doesn't drop too low.
Step 3
Choose wines with a low carb content. Red wine contains less than 1 g of carbs per 3.3 oz. or 100 ml. White sparkling white wine contains 1.5 g of carbohydrate. Sweet white wine contains the highest amount of carbs, at 6 g per serving. Avoid eating dessert with your wine, as this will increase your blood sugar as well.
