an occasional drink

a pint of John Smiths contains around 10g of carbs (according to MyFitnessPal) which isn't necessarily too bad if you only have a couple and you don't react badly: are you testing your blood sugar? If so, I'd say test before you go out and when you get back after a couple of pints and see what it does to your levels

I'm type 2 and also take Metformin 2x500 a day. Some doctors will tell you not to test (or you don't need to test because you have no risk of hypos on metformin), but I prefer to know what's happening with my diabetes and the best way to do that is to test.
I also self-fund but find it money well spent because I know what I can and can't eat based on my testing and feel in control of my diabetes rather than the other way round

We are all told not to test (Type 2s on diet or Metformin that is). Our advice is simple. Ignore your doctor, and if you don't test, test, test, it may be at your peril!

Have a read of all the success stories on here, look at the results in people's signatures. Not one could have done that without testing. It is the only way to learn which foods and drinks your unique body can cope with. Test before you eat and a couple of hours after first bite. Look at the rise. Anything above 2mmol/l (preferably 1.5mmol/l) and that meal needs tweaking either by reducing the portion sizes of the carbs or eliminating them. Keep a food diary, record your levels alongside, and patterns will emerge. You will learn this way. There is no other way to learn I'm afraid.

I'm not a beer drinker, but I love my red wine, and that is fine for us diabetics, also spirits with sugar-free mixers or water.

I'm not even diabetic, but I test 5 times a day because I want to know what's happening, and to stop myself from progressing to diabetes, if at all possible. My GP also told me there's no need for me to test, but - I work on the basis that what he doesn't know, won't hurt him (or her). One thing's for sure - if you have the equipment and it's sitting in a drawer somewhere, then it's definitely not doing you any good. So you might as well put it to some use. But, your decision of course.

Your doctor can only advise you It's up to you if you follow that advise or not. I test because I believe it's in my best interest to do so. I also believe it would be in your best interest for to do so.

I have 2 drinks a night. Before and with dinner. ( occasionally an extra. SSHHH) I either drink red wine or vodka, tequila, rum, bourbon. Akways with just water and a lemon squeeze. Red wine lowers me but distilled liquor lowers me more, especially on an empty stomach.
When I was type 2 I was told to have a drink with dinner to keep castings low. I liked that tool in my tool belt but if course it's all up to you.

I agree with taking things into your own hands and testing. Then there's no questions

Non-alcoholic: usually lime and soda, either with a squeeze of fresh lime or a small dash of lime cordial; or just soda water; or fizzy water; or tea; or coffee.
Alcoholic: red wine; white wine; vodka, lime (fresh or small dash) and soda.

My partner likes whisky and the doctor actually said to him "A couple of whiskies won't do you any harm". Only have diet mixers with it though, unless you like it neat. I think most spirits are okay. I have also had diet tonic water or diet American ginger with ice as that looks like a " proper" drink and keeps well-meaning friends off your back about having a "proper" drink.