Is it good for diabetics to drink red wine?

It is generally not advisable for people with diabetes to drink red wine.

Red wine contains both alcohol and sugar, both of which can affect blood glucose levels. It is generally recommended that women consume no more than one glass per day and men no more than two glasses. Moderate consumption of red wine may benefit cardiovascular health in non-diabetic individuals, as antioxidants such as resveratrol in red wine may help reduce the risk of heart disease. However, alcohol is high in calories—1g of alcohol provides about 7kcal, and 100ml of red wine contains approximately 80kcal, equivalent to a small portion of rice. Regular alcohol consumption can easily lead to obesity, which further worsens insulin resistance in diabetic patients. Moreover, alcohol inhibits the breakdown of liver glycogen in diabetic patients, potentially causing a sudden drop in blood sugar levels and increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. Alcohol also significantly affects blood lipids, raising lipid levels and potentially leading to fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and an increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Therefore, if people with diabetes wish to consume red wine, they should do so under the guidance of a physician, ensuring stable blood glucose control and incorporating the wine into their overall dietary plan to avoid excessive intake. Blood glucose levels should also be monitored to ensure that alcohol consumption does not cause fluctuations in blood sugar.