Having diabetes doesn't mean that you aren't able to drink alcohol but there are a few things that you should be aware of. The recommended alcohol intake is no more than fourteen units a week for men and women, spread throughout the week. It's important that you know how many units there are in different drinks. You can find examples here.

Alcohol can makes a hypo more likely so it might help to think about:

• Having a carbohydrate filled meal before going out drinking or making sure you are aren't drinking on an empty stomach. If this isn't possible, make sure you have carbohydrate-containing snacks, e.g. a sandwich or crisps while drinking.
• Telling your friends about your diabetes and how to treat a hypo just in case.
• Having diabetes ID with you, because a hypo could be mistaken for drunkenness. After a few drinks, you might be less aware of hypo warning symptoms - so you should try to drink in moderation.
• Alternate drinks with plenty of water (or anything that is sugar-free) to avoid dehydration.
• Because alcohol is in the system for a while after drinking, a hypo may occur several hours later. After a night out, you should eat before bed (even if it is chips or a kebab on the way home).