Some people who have diabetes can safely drink moderate amounts of alcohol, but for others any amount of alcohol intake can have very negative health consequences. There are some circumstances under which diabetics should not drink alcohol in any amount. The key for those with diabetes is to understand what conditions can be worsen if they consume alcohol. According to the American Diabetes Association, drinking alcohol is a poor choice if diabetics have the following conditions: Nerve damage in the arms or legs. Diabetic eye disease. High blood pressure. High levels of triglycerides. Diabetics taking medication to control blood sugar levels should first ask their doctor if it is okay to drink alcohol with their specific medication . If you have diabetes and take insulin shots or oral diabetes pills, you risk low blood sugar when you drink alcohol . To protect yourself, never drink on an empty stomach. Plan to have your drink with a meal or after eating a snack. General rules: 1)Simple drinks (wine, beer) are more reliable than complex mixed drinks, especially in company where you have less control over the contents or concentration. . 2)Approach anything with caution if you are in doubt. 3)Low alcohol beers are not necessarily preferred - many of them are rather sweet. 4)Alcohol provides about 7 cal/g of food energy. Some is lost in the urine, but most is converted by the liver into forms which can be used for energy elsewhere in the body or stored as fat.