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Alcohol and weight control in diabetes

Alcohol contains a lot of calories, almost as much as fat. Heavy alcohol use results in weight gain, the fatty degeneration of the liver and reduced blood sugar balance.

One gram of alcohol contains 7 calories (kcal) of energy. Five bottles of medium strength beer contain the same amount of calories as approximately 100 g of butter.

On average, one unit of alcohol contains the following amount of energy:

  • One bottle (0.33 l) of medium strength beer contains 140 kcal of energy

  • One bottle (0.33 l) of sweet cider contains 168 kcal of energy

  • A restaurant portion (12 cl) of wine contains 81 kcal of energy

  • A restaurant portion (4 cl) of strong alcohol contains 91 kcal of energy

Updated 30.9.2023