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https://www.bluecircle.foundation/food/red-wine

Red wine

CARBS

2.6 g

PROTEINS

0.1 g

FATS

0 g

Red wine, in moderation, can be included in a low-carbohydrate diet for diabetes management.

Quantity: 150 ml

Glycemic Index: Low

Glycemic Load: Low

Fiber: 0 g

Key Nutrients: Antioxidants such as resveratrol

Health Impact: Minimal impact on blood sugar due to low carbohydrate content. However, alcohol can affect liver function and insulin sensitivity.

💉 Suggested Bolus

Generally, no bolus adjustment is needed for moderate consumption of red wine.

🍽️ Best Paired With (Veg)

Grilled tofu with herbs – High in protein and low in carbs, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Zucchini noodles with pesto – Offers a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, ideal for maintaining steady glucose levels.

🍽️ Best Paired With (Non Veg)

Grilled salmon with olive tapenade – Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in carbs, supporting overall health and blood sugar control.
Roast chicken with rosemary and garlic – Provides high-quality protein and is low in carbohydrates, aiding in blood sugar management.

🥄 Smart Substitutes

Dry white wine – Lower in carbs than red wine, potentially reducing the risk of blood sugar spikes.
Brut Champagne – Very low in carbohydrates and can be a festive alternative with minimal impact on blood sugar.
Light beer – Generally lower in carbohydrates compared to regular beers and some wines, offering a safer choice for blood sugar management.

⏱ Blood Sugar Timeline

0–15 min: Minimal impact on blood sugar as alcohol does not contain carbohydrates, but monitor for delayed hypoglycemia.
30–60 min: Alcohol may begin to affect liver function, potentially altering blood sugar regulation.
2–3 hr: Watch for possible hypoglycemia, especially if insulin or other medications are used.

“Many in the low-carb diabetes community find that moderate consumption of red wine, particularly with meals, does not significantly disrupt blood sugar levels. However, individual responses can vary, and monitoring is essential.”
— BCDF community member

🧠 Lowering Impact Tip

Consume with a meal to slow absorption and reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.

🤔 FAQs about Red wine

Can drinking red wine help manage my diabetes?

Moderate red wine consumption might not significantly impact blood sugar levels and can be part of a diabetes-friendly diet. However, individual responses vary, and moderation is key.

Is red wine better than white wine for blood sugar control?

Red wine typically has slightly more carbohydrates than dry white wines, but the difference is minimal. Choose based on personal preference and response.

Have a question about Red wine or any other topic related to diabetes?

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