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Metformin and alcohol

A

Amyp84

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Hi I’ve recently had a hba1c of 70 which was very unexpected because a year previous it was 45. So I’ve been put on metformin 500x2 a day.

I’m very low carbing and my glucose readings are starting to come down. I’ve been on metformin for 3 weeks now.

I was invited out for a few drinks tonight but decided not to go because I just don’t know what I can realistically drink on metformin. The guidelines say 2 units which I get is the recommended amount for everyone, but let’s be honest, on a night out who sticks to that?!

But now I’m wondering if I do actually need to accept that’s my limit now or if I can let myself go a little and manage/monitor, and if so how?

Thanks all

Amy
 
I guess the answer is alcohol should be consumed in moderation. However, I am on numerous medication for many ailments and I also take Metformin. If I read all the information sheets within the packets virtually every one of them suggests I should not drink alcohol with them and that is advice that one should bear in mind.
Having said all that I find that the wine I drink most evenings has no effect on my readings. That is no excuse to drink but I am answering your question. We all react differently to alcohol, in general and vis a vis diabetes, so if you want a tipple go ahead but check how it effects you.
 
Hi Amy
I'm afraid it would be irresponsible for anyone to tell you it's OK to ignore the safety recommendations of your medication. That's a decision is you need to make for yourself, whatever you decide, I hope you have a good night.
 
We cannot and will not advise anyone not to follow the advice they've been given by their medical professional. The NHS advice is

Can I drink alcohol while taking metformin? Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking metformin, but it's best to drink no more than 2 units per day. Drinking more than this can increase the risk of low blood sugar. Try to keep to the recommended guidelines of no more than 14 units of alcohol a week.

The risk is low blood sugar. Metfomin lowers your blood glucose, and alcohol tends to do that as well, by suppressing your liver's ability to add glucose to your bloodstream.

I have never been on metformin so have no relevant experience. However my tolerance for alcohol these days is much less than it used to be. I was also advised by a dietitian that if I was going to drink alcohol in any quantity, I should have enough carbs at the same time to ensure my BG did not drop too low. My choice is to keep my carb consumption down, thanks.
 
I drink and take met and insulin. The problem with met and drinking is your liver will remove the alcohol over the met (alc is a poison and your liver will remove that to the exclusion of everything else. . If you drink all day your liver will allow the met to build up in your system thus passably causing you to go into DKA.
 
podarki said:
I drink and take met and insulin. The problem with met and drinking is your liver will remove the alcohol over the met (alc is a poison and your liver will remove that to the exclusion of everything else. . If you drink all day your liver will allow the met to build up in your system thus passably causing you to go into DKA.
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No, it won't. Metformin reduces the ability of your liver to make glucose via gluconeogenesis. The way it does this "is not fully understood" according to the Handbook of Diabetes (Bilous and Donnelly). Can you give any reference for your assertion that metformin might cause DKA?

Alcohol will affect your liver's ability to maintain a working level of blood glucose. If I'm going to drink in any quantity, I will have some carbohydrate to ensure I do not hypo. I've had a couple of bad experiences ( before working this out) where my BG dropped very low after alcohol and no carbs. Low BG is not DKA.
 
I have been on Metformin for a long, long time.
I note that a glass of wine can help bring down my BG but I have never been anywhere near a hypo.
Everyone is different.
Perhaps you might test your response to alcohol in a safe space where you can monitor your BG and see what effect it has on you?
2 units is about one glass of wine (175 ml).
Obviously a different response on a full or empty stomach.
 
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