Does Pizza With Wine Spike Blood Sugar?

Social media is full of clever food pairing tips, but one trend in particular has caught the attention of people with diabetes the idea that eating pizza with wine can help prevent blood sugar spikes. It sounds indulgent and maybe even too good to be true. So, what’s really happening to your blood sugar when you pair these two favorites together?

According to nutrition experts, there’s some scientific basis behind this claim but there are also important caveats to understand, especially if you’re managing blood sugar levels or living with diabetes.

How Pizza Affects Blood Sugar

Pizza is often viewed as a blood sugar bomb, but its impact isn’t just about the carbs. While the crust can cause glucose levels to rise, the fat and protein in the cheese and toppings can slow digestion and delay carbohydrate absorption.

“Fat and protein in pizza slow gastric emptying,” explains Lauri Wright, PhD, RDN, associate professor at the USF College of Public Health. “This can delay how quickly the body processes carbohydrates and, in turn, slows the spike in blood sugar.”

But delayed isn’t the same as avoided. Blood sugar will still rise just over a longer period of time. This slower curve can sometimes make pizza seem like it causes a less dramatic spike, especially if you're tracking glucose in the hour or two after eating.

Where Wine Comes Into the Picture

Wine especially red or dry white varieties contains alcohol, which can temporarily alter how your liver handles glucose.

“Alcohol is technically a toxin,” says Amanda Sauceda, MS, RD, a nutrition lecturer at California State University, Long Beach. “When you drink alcohol, your liver prioritizes detoxifying it over regulating blood sugar.”

This means your liver may delay releasing glucose into the bloodstream, which can reduce the immediate blood sugar spike after eating something carb-heavy like pizza.

However, this doesn’t mean wine prevents blood sugar increases altogether. As Wright points out, “The result is often a delayed and prolonged glucose increase, rather than no spike at all.”

The Risks of Relying on Pizza and Wine for Blood Sugar Control

While you might experience fewer sharp glucose spikes after pairing pizza with wine, this approach has potential risks, particularly for people with type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes.

Here’s why:

• Delayed blood sugar spikes make it harder to time insulin or medication.

• Overnight hypoglycemia is a serious risk when alcohol is involved, as the liver is slower to release stored glucose during sleep.

• The combination may lead to misleading glucose readings in the short term, making long-term blood sugar management more difficult.

Additionally, frequent alcohol use even in moderate amounts can interfere with medications, impair sleep, and increase the risk of liver disease.

Should You Pair Pizza With Wine?

It’s perfectly fine to enjoy pizza and wine in moderation. But experts don’t recommend using this combination as a blood sugar management tool.

Instead:

• Monitor your blood glucose carefully before and after meals.

• Time your insulin or medication based on your healthcare provider’s guidance.

• Be mindful of how your body responds to high-fat meals, alcohol, and carb-heavy foods over time.

If you're looking to reduce post-meal glucose spikes, opt for strategies backed by research, such as:

• Adding leafy greens or fiber-rich vegetables to your meal

• Choosing a thinner crust or whole grain base

• Incorporating lean protein or healthy fats

• Engaging in light physical activity after eating

Bottom Line

Pairing pizza with wine might temporarily slow the rise in blood sugar, but it doesn’t eliminate the impact altogether and it could even lead to delayed spikes or overnight lows. If you’re managing diabetes, it’s best to approach this combo with caution and consult your healthcare provider before relying on it for glucose control.

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