Which Types of Red Wine Are Safe for Diabetics?

Red wine is by no means a health food, but it does have benefits to the body as long as it’s consumed in moderation. A glass (or two!) of wine every day helps lower blood pressure, increases good cholesterol in the body, and even keeps the heart healthy. Red wine contains antioxidants and flavonoids. Resveratrol in red wine helps prevent heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, and even some certain cancers.

Red wine is made from grapes fermented with their seeds, skin, and pulp on. This increases the tannins in the liquid. Tannin is what creates that dry sensation you feel on the roof of your mouth as you drink red wine.

Diabetics are often advised to limit or even eliminate any type of red wine from their diet. This is caused by conflicting data about the consumption of different types of red wine to people afflicted with type 2 diabetes. The fact is, red wine can be safely consumed even by diabetics. Although studies about the benefits of red wine to diabetics are in its infancy, British scientists believe that red wine works the same way as most diabetes drugs.

Benefits of Red Wine to Diabetics

We’re no stranger to the health benefits of red wine but diabetics in particular, will benefit the most from consuming red wine regularly. Below are the benefits of red wine to those suffering from type 2 diabetes:

Regulates Glucose in the Blood

Red wine contains polyphenols. Polyphenols are active bio compound that works the same way as some diabetes drugs. These compounds help regulate glucose in the blood and prevent the onset of diabetes-related complications including strokes and heart attacks. Compounds in red wine help open up the arteries, even narrowed ones. This helps blood circulate the body efficiently, preventing blockages that could result in serious heart problems.

Preserves/Restores Eyesight

Blindness is one of the most common complications of diabetes. The resveratrol in red wine may actually help preserve sharp eyesight in diabetics by creating a protective layer on the nerves connected to the eyeballs, including repairing damaged optic nerves to restore vision!

It’s High in Antioxidants

The flavonoids and polyphenols in grapes help protect the body from free radicals that damage healthy cells. This is important especially if you are a diabetic. Cancer cells tend to “feed” on glucose. When the body is no longer able to regulate sugar in the blood, there is a greater risk of developing cancer. By drinking red wine, your body is able to fight oxidative damage, cutting the risk of developing cancer as well as regulating the sugar in the body at the same time.

Best Type of Red Wine for Diabetics?

Most types of wines and spirits are incredibly high in sugar so if you are a diabetic, it’s important to choose the kind of red wine to drink. If you want to drink red wine but you’re worried about the sugar content, we recommend choosing dry red wine. Dry red wine contains less sugar than other types of wines.