Smoking and Alcohol

How much can I smoke?

All smokers should stop smoking. Smoking is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The more cigarettes you smoke a day, the greater your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

How much alcohol can I take?

You should avoid alcohol. If you intend to drink, you should not have more than the recommended guidelines of two standard drinks per day for males and one standard drink per day for females. Heavy drinking, which is defined as consuming 15 or more drinks per week for men and 8 or more for women, can reduce the body’s sensitivity to insulin. A standard drink contains 10 grams or 12.5 millilitres of alcohol.


  1. Shi, L., Shu, X. O., Li, H., Cai, H., Liu, Q., Zheng, W., Xiang, Y. B., & Villegas, R. (2013). Physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption in association with incidence of type 2 diabetes among middle-aged and elderly Chinese men. PloS one, 8(11), e77919. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0077919

  2. Diabetes UK: Alcohol and diabetes, 2021. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/enjoy-food/what-to-drink-with-diabetes/alcohol-and-diabetes

  3. Diabetes Australia: Should I drink alcohol, 2021 https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/food-activity/eating-well/should-i-drink-alcohol/