Beer and Diabetes: Carbs, Glycemic Index and Portions
A 12 ounce can of regular beer has about 12 g of carbohydrate (12 g net). Glycemic index: medium (66). Possibly, with care. If you choose to drink, alcohol can cause low or high blood sugar, so talk with your care team first.
A regular beer has some carbohydrate, and alcohol itself can lower blood sugar for hours because the liver puts glucose release on hold while it processes it. That is why drinking on an empty stomach is a particular concern.
MedlinePlus advises drinking only with food and in moderation, and checking glucose before and after. Medicines and insulin can change the risk, which is a conversation for your care team, not a web page.
Carbs in beer by portion
| Portion | Grams | Carbs (g) | Fiber (g) | Net carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| can | 356 | 12 | 0 | 12 | 1.8 |
| 100 g (for comparing foods) | 100 | 3.5 | 0 | 3.5 | 0.5 |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, FDC ID 168746 (Beer, regular). Net carbs here means carbohydrate minus fiber. “Net carbs” is not an FDA-defined term, so total carbs are shown too. Values are estimates for a typical item; brands, ripeness and size vary.
Glycemic index and glycemic load
GI ranks how fast a food raises blood glucose compared with pure glucose (100). Low is 55 or less, medium 56 to 69, high 70 or more. Beer is a tricky food to test; the single entry in the tables is for one beer. Glycemic load multiplies the index by the available carbohydrate in a portion (carbs minus fiber), so it reflects how much you actually eat: low is 10 or less, medium 11 to 19, high 20 or more.
Which published values we used (1)
| Entry | Food as listed | GI |
|---|---|---|
| Suppl. Table 2, #2133 | Beer, Toohey's New (Tooheys Pty Limited, Australia) | 66 |
Atkinson FS et al. International tables of glycemic index and glycemic load values 2021. Am J Clin Nutr 2021;114(5):1625-1632. Glucose reference (glucose = 100); values from studies that used white bread were converted by the authors. Where studies differ we show the range, not an average.
Glycemic index is only one piece of the picture. The same food can give a different response depending on ripeness, cooking, what you eat it with and your own body, so your meter or CGM is the best guide.
How beer fit the plate method
Beer are a drink, not a plate section, so the plate method does not place them. What matters is what is in the cup or glass. The CDC describes the plate method as half non-starchy vegetables, a quarter protein and a quarter carbohydrate foods. See the diabetic meal plan guide for how it works, or drop beer onto a meal in the meal planner to watch the plate fill.
Portion ideas and pairings
- Light beers have fewer carbohydrates, but alcohol still counts.
- Alternate with water.
- Have it with a meal, never to replace one.
Pairs well with: a meal with protein and vegetables, water between drinks.
Related foods
Red wine
serving: 3.8 g carbs
Coffee, black
cup: 0 g carbs
Diet soda
can: 0.4 g carbs
Banana
1 medium: 27 g carbs
See all foods and the low glycemic foods list
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink beer if I have diabetes?
Some people can, in moderation and with food, but alcohol can cause low blood sugar and interact with medicines. Ask your care team what is safe for you.
How many carbs are in a 12 ounce can of regular beer?
About 12 g of carbohydrate, of which about 0 g is fiber, so roughly 12 g net carbs. Values are from USDA FoodData Central for 356 g and are estimates; brands and sizes vary.
Information only, not medical advice. Your care team may set different targets for you, and only a lab test ordered by a clinician can diagnose diabetes or prediabetes. See our medical disclaimer.
Sources
- USDA FoodData Central: Beer, regular (FDC ID 168746)
- Atkinson FS et al. International tables of glycemic index and glycemic load values 2021. Am J Clin Nutr 2021;114(5):1625-1632
- CDC: Diabetes Meal Planning (plate method and carbohydrate counting)
- ADA Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026, Section 5: Facilitating Positive Health Behaviors
- MedlinePlus: Diabetes and alcohol
Last reviewed: by the Diabetes Blogs editorial team. Information only, not medical advice.
