Drinking when you are a diabetic can involve some risks, you should consult your health care professional who manages your diabetes about how much risk you can take, considering your state of blood glucose control and organ health. The American Diabetes Association recommends that when a physician has approved an occasional alcoholic drink you restrict that to a maximum of 1 drink per day for females and 2 drinks per day for males or as your doctor instructs. 1 drink of vodka would equal 1.5 oz of the alcohol, plus any mixer.

Vodka is one of the types of alcohol that is often suggested for those who are diabetic or otherwise counting calories. Other suggestions are dry white wines. Rum is the same as vodka, although perhaps a slight improvement over vodka since rum is absorbed just a bit less quickly into the blood stream.

You must also consider calories consumed in alcoholic drinks in your total daily calorie count. For most of the diabetic exchange diets, usually 1.5 oz of 100 proof vodka (or gin, rum, whiskey, and brandy) is 100-120 calories and equal to 2 fat exchanges.

Some other things to consider and/or remember:

• Only drink when you have food in your stomach and only in moderation.
• Do not mix alcohol with your medications without consulting your doctor and/or pharmacist first.
• Alcohol stimulates the appetite, you must be be especially well disciplined while drinking to avoid over eating or eating the wrong things.
• Alcohol is a depressant. For those who have depressive mood disorders, or eating disorders this can trigger binges and other problems later.
• A moderate amount of alcohol will slightly lower your blood sugars.
• Excess amounts of alcohol will eventually raise the blood sugars.
• Drink slowly to avoid a gush of carbs into your blood stream.
• Use sugar-free mixers.
• Know what to expect by keeping close checks on your blood sugars before, during and after drinking to be sure to be aware of how the alcohol affects your blood sugar control.
• If you have diabetic neuropathy, you need to avoid over drinking which could cause you to have accidental injuries that might not heal.
• If you get insulin shock from alcohol lowering your blood sugar levels, when evaluated with alcohol on your breath, your condition may be mistaken for only drunkenness and the hypoglycemia could go without treatment. Be sure you have plans and methods in operation for emergency personnel to discover your medical history, i.e., medical alert jewelry, etc.

More information about different types of alcohol:

• 12 oz light beer includes 5 gm of carbs, is 100 calories and counts as 2 fat exchanges.
• 4 oz dry wine includes 0 - 2 gm of carbs, is 80 - 85 calories and counts as 2 fat exchanges.
• 1.5 oz of gin, rum, vodka, whiskey and brandy has no carbs, is 100 - 120 calories and counts as 2 fat exchanges.
• 1.5 oz of liqueur counts as 2 fats and 1 starch exchange.
• 12 oz wine cooler counts as 2 fats and 2 fruit exchanges.