10 of the best beers for diabetics

A list of 10 of the best beers that are low in alcohol and carbs has been created to help diabetics choose what to drink.

In a deep dive listicle created by Draft a selection of expert recommendations have been drawn upon to prioritise beers with low alcohol content and reduced carbohydrates, to ensure diabetics who want to sip beer are not compromising their health.

According to the findings, there is a popular misconception that people with diabetes cannot consume alcoholic beverages including beer, but the report highlighted how drinking in moderation would have a minimal effect.

The report reminded that many brands offer light beers that vary in alcohol and carbohydrate content to keep the blood sugar levels of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetic persons in check.

Here, are the top picks of light and low-carb beers, primarily macro beers, that are considered in the report to be most appropriate for people with diabetes:

Budweiser Select 55
Alcohol content: 2.4% ABV
Carbohydrates per 12oz: 2g

Miller Lite
Alcohol content: 4.2% ABV
Carbohydrates per 12oz: 3.2g

Coors Light
Alcohol content: 4.2% ABV
Carbohydrates per 12oz: 5g

Beck’s Premier Light
Alcohol content: 2.3% ABV
Carbohydrates per 12oz: 3.9g

Corona Premier
Alcohol content: 4% ABV
Carbohydrates per 12oz: 2.6g

Busch Light
Alcohol content: 4.1% ABV
Carbohydrates per 12oz: 3.2g

Amstel Light Pale Ale
Alcohol content: 3.5% ABV
Carbohydrates per 12oz: 5g

Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty Lo-Cal IPA
Alcohol content: 4% ABV
Carbohydrates per 12oz: 3.2g

Natural Light
Alcohol content: 4.2% ABV
Carbohydrates per 12oz: 3.2g

Heineken 0.0 Alcohol-Free Beer
Alcohol content: 0.0% ABV
Carbohydrates per 12oz: 4.8g

The guidance outlined that diabetic patients need to manage their blood sugar levels carefully as both a rise in sugar level (hyperglycemia) or a drop in sugar levels (hypoglycemia) can have dangerous effects on their health. It also explained how alcohol consumption may aggravate the sugar level fluctuations since mainly all alcoholic beverages, including beer, contain carbohydrates that further surges the blood glucose. Additionally, it highlighted how beer contains sugar in maltose or maltodextrin, which raises blood sugar levels. As a point of caution, it warned that it is always recommended to talk to a healthcare provider to check if alcoholic drinks for diabetics are not hindering your regular diabetic self-care and also to consult with them about the amount of alcohol that is safe to consume.

Overall, however, it was recommended that Type 2 diabetics limit their beer intake to one or two drinks per day, depending on individual factors such as blood sugar control and overall health.

The guidance concluded that the best beer type for a diabetic is “generally one with lower alcohol content and reduced carbohydrates” and advised that “light beers, session IPAs, and certain craft beers labelled as ‘low-carb’ or ‘diabetic-friendly’ can be better choices, but reiterated that it is still essential to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalised recommendations.

After observing the Draft list, it became clear that a further list of craft-only light beers that are also low carb might be prudent to compile for fans of great tasting beer who want to support independent breweries. As such, db is looking into pulling together a shortlist of contenders. For breweries wanting to nominate their brews, get in touch.