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) (Bourbon, Brandy, Gin, Rum,
Scotch, Tequila, Vodka, Whiskey, etc.)
| Item |
Calories |
Carbs |
| 80 proof |
65 |
0 |
| 90 proof |
74 |
0 |
| 100 proof |
83 |
0 |
Other drinks (4 ounces)
| Item |
Calories |
Carbs |
| Daiquiri |
224 |
8 |
| Manhattan |
256 |
4 |
| Martini |
250 |
0 |
| Red Wine |
80 |
2 |
| Tequila Sunrise |
125 |
13 |
| White Wine |
80 |
1 |
Beer (12 ounces)
| Item |
Calories |
Carbs |
| Amstel® Light |
95 |
5 |
| Bud Light® |
110 |
6.6 |
| Coors Light® |
102 |
5 |
| Corona® Light |
105 |
5 |
| Guinness® Stout |
125 |
9.9 |
| Michelob® Ultra |
95 |
2.6 |
| Miller Lite® |
96 |
3.2 |
| Sam Adams Light® |
124 |
9.7 |
Liqueurs (1 ounce)
| Item |
Calories |
Carbs |
| Amaretto |
80 |
17 |
| Baileys® |
75 |
5.5 |
| Kahlua® |
120 |
17 |
| Triple Sec |
80 |
12.5 |
| Vermouth—Dry |
35 |
1.5 |
| Vermouth—Sweet |
47 |
4.5 |
© Copyright 1995-2010 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 12/10/2007...#11654