With your doctor's permission, you may enjoy alcohol in moderation. Moderation is defined as no more than one drink per day for women; no more than two drinks per day for men.Here are some guidelines for drinking alcohol for people with diabetes:

  • Check with your doctor before drinking any alcoholic beverages. Discuss the safety and possible side effects of mixing alcohol and your medicines.
  • Never drink on an empty stomach. Drink alcohol with food to avoid low blood sugar reactions.
  • Do not drink alcohol before, during, or after exercise.
  • Wear diabetes identification if drinking away from home in case of a low blood sugar reaction or any other emergency.
  • Limit your alcohol consumption if you are overweight to help control calories.
  • Avoid alcohol if you are pregnant or if you have any of the following:
    • Pancreatitis
    • High triglycerides
    • Significant nerve damage
    • A history of alcohol abuse

One drink equals 4 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1 ounce of distilled spirits.

Pure Distilled Liquors (1 ounce) (Boubon, Brandy, Gin, Rum, Scotch, Tequila, Vodka, Whiskey, etc.)

Item

Calories

Carbs

80 proof
90 proof
100 proof

65
74
83

0
0
0

Other drinks (4 ounces)

Item

Calories

Carbs

Daiquiri
Manhattan
Martini
Red Wine
Tequila Sunrise
White Wine

224
256
250
80
125
80

8
4
0
2
13
1

Beer (12 ounces)

Item

Calories

Carbs

Amstel® Light
Bud Light®
Coors Light®
Corona® Light
Guinness® Stout
Michelob® Ultra
Miller Lite®
Sam Adams Light®

95
110
102
105
125
95
96
124

5
6.6
5
5
9.9
2.6
3.2
9.7

Liqueurs (1 ounce)

Item

Calories

Carbs

Amaretto
Baileys®
Kahlua®
Triple Sec
Vermouth-Dry
Vermouth-Sweet

80
75
120
80
35
47

17
5.5
17
12.5
1.5
4.5

© Copyright 1995-2008 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved.