Hi I am new to this site and just wanted to know a bit if advice as I drink alcohol every night and have just been diagnosed as pre diabetes so I have been put on 2 x 500mg of metformin a day but can I still drink ? Also I am going on holiday next week can I drink more than 3 glades of wine each night ?
Alcohol use
- Thread starter kelbrad
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I have taken Metformin but I don’t drink alcohol, however there is a tiny risk of lactic acidosis, a serious life threatening condition when drinking alcohol. I can never find articles or research that says how much alcohol is acceptable. I think your best bet is to familiarise yourself with the symptoms and be aware of the location of the nearest medical help to your holiday accommodation.
Here’s some more info.:
www.healthline.com
Here’s some more info.:
Metformin and Alcohol: Are They Safe to Mix?
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking metformin for your diabetes? Learn about the specific risks of mixing alcohol with metformin and find out whether you need to be concerned or not.
www.healthline.com
LivingLightly
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It's a pity you didn't put this question to your doctor. S/he knows your medical history.
That said, prediabetes is a very individual disorder and so too is our reaction to medication. As you've only just started taking metformin tablets, it's too early to know how your body will react to the drug. The fact you're going on holiday next week adds further variables, which may not apply at home.
As I see it, your safest option would be to stop taking the tablets until you are home again. You've managed thus far without medication and another 7 days or so is not going to make much difference in the grand scheme of things. Meanwhile, I'd equip yourself with a meter and test strips, so you can keep an eye on your blood glucose levels at home and away, then compare your results once you resume metformin therapy.
Metformin is widely prescribed. I've been taking metformin daily for years and drink occasionally (most metformin users do), but not every night.. There is a small risk of developing a life-threatening condition termed lactic acidosis, as noted above.
Metformin seldom causes low blood sugar (known as hypoglycaemia or hypos for short) when taken on its own, but hypos can happen when you take metformin with alcohol.
That said, prediabetes is a very individual disorder and so too is our reaction to medication. As you've only just started taking metformin tablets, it's too early to know how your body will react to the drug. The fact you're going on holiday next week adds further variables, which may not apply at home.
As I see it, your safest option would be to stop taking the tablets until you are home again. You've managed thus far without medication and another 7 days or so is not going to make much difference in the grand scheme of things. Meanwhile, I'd equip yourself with a meter and test strips, so you can keep an eye on your blood glucose levels at home and away, then compare your results once you resume metformin therapy.
Metformin is widely prescribed. I've been taking metformin daily for years and drink occasionally (most metformin users do), but not every night.. There is a small risk of developing a life-threatening condition termed lactic acidosis, as noted above.
Metformin seldom causes low blood sugar (known as hypoglycaemia or hypos for short) when taken on its own, but hypos can happen when you take metformin with alcohol.
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I have zero experience with metformin so can't advise from my own experience.
My copy of Bilous and Donnelly Handbook of Diabetes (Ch.11) says in relation to metformin :
"Lactic acidosis is a rare but serious side effect that carries high mortality. It can be avoided by not giving metformin to patients with renal, hepatic, cardiac, or respiratory failure or those with a history of alcohol abuse."
If you are concerned I would advise getting a medical view.
IMO (not medically qualified) I suggest you leave the metformin until you come back from your holiday. If you are one of the lucky souls who react to it (I was) the last thing you need on holiday is a badly upset digestion and always needing to be within sprinting distance of a loo.
I’m alcohol dependant and on Metformin, I’m worried at how it is affecting my body but I guess I’ll know at my next blood test. Just try and cut down as best you can (easier said than done) and remember we need to make these changes for life. Cutting down has been so hard for me as I use alcohol to self medicate and to help me sleep, but I’m trying my best to get it under control, best of luck to you x
I don't think we should be advising people to stop their medication. That is between them and their GP/nurse.
Hello.
That's almost my exact situation too. I'm going down the route of trying to cut down alcohol to zero. Let me know how you get on.
