Diabetes Forum

The Global Diabetes Community Forum

Skip to content

metformin and alcohol?

If you have a question relating to your diabetes, managing your diabetes or anything else that is diabetes related, ask the Diabetes Community here.

metformin and alcohol?

Postby justbeendiagnosed » February 23rd, 2012, 9:54 pm

Is it okay to drink alcohol with metformin...??? :( i really do enjoy my drinks at the weekends. and i dont mix or anything like that,my tipple has always been cider... also, can it do a lot of harm if you stay off metformin for a day, if you want a bit of a binge.. i know a lot of poeple that does this,, thanx very much.... im sorry but taking this news very badly, only found out yesterday...
justbeendiagnosed
 
Posts: 6
Joined: February 23rd, 2012, 8:03 pm

Re: metformin and alcohol?

Postby ))Denise(( » February 23rd, 2012, 10:07 pm

Its not usually a problem to drink alcohol and take metformin. I have done so many times. There is a risk of lactic acidosis - this explains it http://www.diabetesnet.com/about-diabet ... /metformin
Denise

Type 2 Dx Nov 2007
Metformin 3 x 850mg, Gliclazide 40mg
HbA1c 7.4 - 01/10, 6.4 - 08/10, 6.0 - 12/10, 5.6 - 04/11, 5.4 - 12/11, 5.4 (36) - 01/13
Wheat intolerant, Vit D deficient - taking supplements
User avatar
))Denise((
 
Posts: 1065
Joined: June 18th, 2010, 12:08 pm

Re: metformin and alcohol?

Postby ))Denise(( » February 23rd, 2012, 10:10 pm

Sorry, forgot to welcome you to the forum. Daisy will probably be along in the morning with the official greeting for newbies, but in the meantime you can read it here viewtopic.php?f=39&t=26870

Ask any questions you like and somebody will be able to give you an answer
Denise

Type 2 Dx Nov 2007
Metformin 3 x 850mg, Gliclazide 40mg
HbA1c 7.4 - 01/10, 6.4 - 08/10, 6.0 - 12/10, 5.6 - 04/11, 5.4 - 12/11, 5.4 (36) - 01/13
Wheat intolerant, Vit D deficient - taking supplements
User avatar
))Denise((
 
Posts: 1065
Joined: June 18th, 2010, 12:08 pm

Re: metformin and alcohol?

Postby Grazer » February 23rd, 2012, 10:12 pm

You'll be fine having a drink. There is a very rare condition called ketoacidosis? (I believe!) that could occur, but I've never heard of anyone with it. I saw an endocrinologist who specialises in diabetes and he said its fine. Apparently you are only likely to get complications if you are either alcoholic, a seriously heavy drinker or have an existing medical condition (other than diabetes) affecting your liver. Providing you're none of them, enjoy!
Type 2, diagnosed Nov 2010. HbA1c then 8.2%. Mar 2011, HbA1c 5.9%.Dec. 2011 5.9%. May 2012 5.7%

150-180grams carbs per day + exercise (mainly golf!). 2x500mg Metformin SR per day.
Support testing for T2s http://www.diabetes.co.uk/petition/
User avatar
Grazer
 
Posts: 3135
Joined: January 7th, 2011, 12:32 pm

Re: metformin and alcohol?

Postby daisy1 » February 24th, 2012, 9:37 am

Hi justbeendiagnosed and welcome to the forum :) The information I usually give to new members mentioned by Denise is at the link that she has posted.

I have no problem whatsoever drinking alcohol and taking 1500mg metformin per day. But you should not stop taking metformin, and medication and alcohol together is usually not recommended.
Image
User avatar
daisy1
Forum Moderator
 
Posts: 13319
Joined: March 20th, 2010, 11:07 am
Location: Switzerland


  • Similar topics
    Replies
    Views
    Author

Return to Ask A Question

Who is online

Registered users: Alasdair, Bing [Bot], bruce_no1, debbiem1, Emmy10, garythegob, gezzathorpe, Google [Bot], Google Adsense [Bot], googlegoss, haymanj, itconor, Jokeeble1987, lenipenny, linsay, michaeldavid, pat, PetiteSJ, Robinredbreast, sammyk, sugarfreehannah, VerityJ, WhitbyJet