Blood Sugar & Booze: A Guide for Parents of Type 1 Teens
Let’s be real- at some point, your teenager is going to encounter alcohol. Whether at a house party, a night out for freshers’ week or just hanging out with mates, it’s something they’'ll likely come across.
As a parent of a teen with Type 1 diabetes (T1D), this can feel especially daunting. Alcohol affects blood sugar in unpredictable ways, and poor decisions can lead to dangerous situations. Banning it outright often isn’t realistic and let’s face it, telling a teenager “don’t do it” usually has the opposite effect!
The best approach? Equip them with the facts, have an open conversation and make sure they know how to stay safe.
Why Alcohol is Riskier for Teens with Type 1 Diabetes
Alcohol affects everyone differently, but for someone with T1D, it adds extra complications:
1. Alcohol Can Cause Dangerous Hypos
The liver plays a big role in keeping blood sugar stable, but when alcohol is in the system, the liver prioritises breaking it down over releasing glucose
This means blood sugar can drop suddenly- especially overnight
To make matters worse, the symptoms of being drunk (slurred speech, confusion, dizziness) are almost identical to a hypo, making it harder for others to spot
2. Carbs & Alcohol Don’t Mix as You’d Expect
Beer cider and sugary cocktails can cause an initial spike in blood sugar
But once the alcohol kicks in, the delayed crash can be dangerous
3. Decision-Making Goes Out the Window
Alcohol lowers inhibitions, making it easier to forget to check blood sugar, bolus for food or even recognise a hypo.
How to Keep Your Teen Safe if They Drink
If your teen is going to drink, they need to know how to do it safely. Here are the key tips they should follow:
Before Drinking:
Eat a Proper Meal First- Never drink on an empty stomach, as food helps slow alcohol absorption and stabilises blood sugar
Check Blood Sugar- Ideally, they should start at a slightly higher level (but not too high, or they’ll be tempted to correct aggressively).
While Drinking:
Choose Drinks Wisely- Avoid sugary alcopops and cocktails that cause blood sugar spikes. A spirit with a sugar-free mixer (like gin and slimline tonic) is a better option
Drink Slowly & Stay Hydrated- Alternating with water can help prevent dehydration and make it easier to keep track of how much they’ve had.
Wear a Medical ID- A medical alert bracelet or a phone lock screen stating “Type 1 Diabetes” could be lifesaving if they become unconscious
After Drinking:
Check Blood Sugar Before Bed- This is non-negotiable. If it’s on the lower side, they should have a small snack
Set an Alarm for a 3 AM Check- Since hypos can hit hours after drinking, using a CGM alarm or setting a reminder for a finger prick is crucial
Tell a Mate- Someone they’re with should know they have diabetes and what to do in an emergency
How to have “The Chat” Without Sounding Like a Lecture
Talking to your teen about alcohol can be awkward, but a strict “just don’t do it” approach probably won’t work. Instead, try:
Acknowledge Reality- Rather than banning drinking outright, focus on how they can do it safely. Saying “I know you might try alcohol at some point, so let’s talk about how to manage it with diabetes” keeps the conversation open.
Use “I” Statements- Instead of “You better not drink,” try “I worry about your safety, and I want to make sure you know how to look after yourself if you do.”
Run Through Scenarios- Ask things like, “What would you do if you felt a hypo coming on at a party?” or “What would you say if someone pressured you to do shots?” Thinking ahead helps them feel more in control.
Let Them Know They Can Call You- Make it clear that no matter what, they can always ring you for a lift home- no lectures, no judgement. The goal is for them to stay safe, not to be scared of getting in trouble.
Final Thoughts
Navigating alcohol and diabetes is tricky, but by educating your teen you’re giving them the best chance to make smart, safe choices. An informed, prepared teen is much safer than one who drinks without understanding the risks.