[MJM]

Hi E-Lou,
This is old father time speaking. I was diagnosed at 13 all of 48 years ago. I had the misfortune of overdrinking in my 20's and ended up in hospital more times than a dog wags it's tail, and as a result I nearly got a red card.
The main thing to remember is that diabetes affects each person differently so a broad advise thing is best here. With me it was a case of too much alcohol really made my blood sugars hit rock-bottom. Now I probably overindulged most of the time, but with diabetes the KEY word here is MODERATION and I think you mentioned that yourself. Moderation is the key to everything. When I was first diagnosed I was forbidden so many things I had to check to see if I could even breathe. It's totally different now and you can eat most things without it doing you any harm.
I eat between 220 - 280 carbs daily (approx 2250 calories)and I still don't put on weight because with the exercise I get the calories are burned off. To put it another way, you need to burn off the carories you eat each day to avoid putting on weight.
Of course go out with your friends but let your best friends know that you are diabetic and how to react if your sugars do go low. You can always carry gulcose tablets with you in case of emergencies. they are prob the fastest acting thing you can take. Each tablet is 5 carbs, so take 3 if you feel yourself going low. People who go low can get aggresive or act like they are drunk, so let your friends know this. Also when you go low you may refuse to take the glucose. Best thing then is to drink a bottle of lucosade, which is also fast acting.
Read all you can, as the more you know the better you'll be able to control it, and good control is vitally important. As you say, with your father having diabetes you are reasonably familiar with what should be done. So like someone else suggested always try to be positive and life will be rewarding for you. All the best.