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Drinking Alcohol

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Kevsul

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I was diagnosed over 16 months ago, type 2, I was just told to sort my diet out the first year or so, I was then placed on Metformin 500mg, 1 daily, I've not really been a drinker as such, as I slowed it down about 10years ago, where It was going out for birthdays and wedding etc, I read the information sheet for the tablets and it clearly stated no Alcohol!

Well about 5 weeks ago, i had some tummy troubles, and was in bed for a week, and since then I have stopped taking the tablets, as I had a Bash to go to tomorrow, and of course drink is involved, My question is: It never affected me before when I used to go out, but now I know i'm type 2 I have done everything as regards diet etc to help myself.

Now I am going to have a drink tomorrow as I only meet up with these friends once a year, So how could I tell if i was going to have a "Turn" so to speak, I will possibly drink 3 to 4 pints of lager over a period of 3 hrs then maybe some spirits with plenty of ice or coke, this would be spread out over a total of 10hours, along with eating plenty of good food.

Do you think I would be putting myself at a big risk of going into Hypo shock etc.

Thanks in advance for any replies
 
As a type 2 on diet only, you are no more likely to get a hypo than any non-diabetic. Dangerous hypos come with alcohol if a diabetic on insulin, or a similar insulin-promoting drug, (metformin isn't one of those) drinks and gets the double whammy of alcohol lowering the BG at the same time as their medication. Most diabetics on insulin would modify their insulin intake if drinking a lot of alcohol. Even obn metformin, you can enjoy a good drink. Metformin only works by making the insulin you DO produce more effective, and preventing the liver from producing QUITE as much glucose as it otherwise would. So definitely enjoy your drink, and enjoy the lower BG you'll get the same as a non-diabetic. it means you'll be able to have a treat that you probably wouldn't normally have. Non-diabetics out for a drinkm often fancy a kebab or burger after a drink - because they've got lower blood sugars as you will. But not a dangerous hypo. You said spirits with coke? Fine, but make sure it's diet coke.
Regarding Metformin; the manufacturers don't say "no alcohol" because of potential hypos. There is a very rare reaction that can occur with alcohol IF you have an already damaged liver and are a very heavy constant drinker. I asked an Endocrinologist who specialises in diabetes about the "don't drink with metformin" and his reply was "nonsense". So you could have stayed on the Met and still gone to your party. I do.
 
If you are just on Metformin you run no more risks of a hypo than a non diabetic. It is the reason you don't have to tell the DVLA you are a diabetic because they consider your risks to be identical to the non diabetic population.

I take Metformin and occasionally drink without a problem.

Being diabetic does not cause hypos. It is injecting too much insulin or in certain cases taking very powerful insulin stimulating drugs that can cause hypos. Metformin is not an insulin stimulating drug which is why it is regarded as a very safe and effective treatment.
 
Thanks so much for them answers, I now know I can go and enjoy myself with the 30 friends that are meeting up from around the country.

I don't drink any other time anyway, so this is really Binge drinking, but I don't drink to excess to get absolutely wrecked were I struggle to walk or pass out, it's just a drink and enjoy the banter.

Thanks once again
 
Well I enjoyed my day/night, Got home at 2.45am, Felt really good throughout the day, Before drinking on the night had plenty to eat, and had just a few nibbles throughout the night to combat the drink.

I purchased a Contour blood tester, so go up about 10.15, and tested myself, 1st time using one btw, It read 11.9!


Unsure if that is really bad?
 
xyzzy said:
Being diabetic does not cause hypos. It is injecting too much insulin or in certain cases taking very powerful insulin stimulating drugs that can cause hypos. Metformin is not an insulin stimulating drug which is why it is regarded as a very safe and effective treatment.
Click to expand...

"Being diabetic does not cause hypos" :shock: Being diabetic does increase the risk of hypoglycaemia of that there is no doubt.

I think you will find that exercise can and does bring on hypos xzxxy, its not just insulin and glic, anyone can have a hypo and if you are T2 and do not eat regularly and exercise heavily you are at more of a risk of a hypo. Thats why as a diabetic it is important to eat regularly.
 
The OP who is a diet only T2 is asking about the risk of hypos when he goes out and has a few drinks. Are you telling him because he is a diet only T2 he shouldn't do that Sid? Why worry the OP unnecessarily about the risk of hypos? Why not let him just go out and have the good time he can and should have?

I'm not sure what your point or intent is here?

I agree exercise and eating patterns can cause hypos, but they can in a non diabetic as well. It has nothing to do with them being diabetic does it? The cause is as you suggest exercise or eating patterns not being diabetic.
 
Sid Bonkers said:
I think you will find that exercise can and does bring on hypos xzxxy, its not just insulin and glic, anyone can have a hypo and if you are T2 and do not eat regularly and exercise heavily you are at more of a risk of a hypo.
Click to expand...

Don't dsagree completely, but I think it's down to definition. Hpoglycemia refers to low blood sugar, and yes exercise and lack of eating can cause this in anyone, diabetic or not. My daughter who is non-diabetic gets this. But their are two key issues here I believe:-
1) The only reason why a type 2 diabetic on diet only may be more likely to get a "hypo" than a non-diabetic is that they are more likely to be restricting their food intake due to diet. A non-diabetic on a reduced food intake such as a weight loss program would have the same extra risk
2) The hypo they do get is of a far lower magnitude. That is, they have low blood sugar symptoms but not the dangerous insulin induced hypo that requires medical assistance unless they have other metabolic issues affecting them.

In other words, I think "Hypo" is defined and used too loosely in this regard
 
Kevsul said:
Well I enjoyed my day/night, Got home at 2.45am, Felt really good throughout the day, Before drinking on the night had plenty to eat, and had just a few nibbles throughout the night to combat the drink.

I purchased a Contour blood tester, so go up about 10.15, and tested myself, 1st time using one btw, It read 11.9!


Unsure if that is really bad?
Click to expand...

Glad you enjoyed! Yes, the 11.9 is a bit high but you don't know what it normally is yet, so can't compare. Do your testing 2 hours after eating. If it's too high then, (8.5 by NHS targets, but lower than 8 for most of us by preference) then have less carbohydrates in that meal next time. Keep experimenting and testing!
 
Grazer -

So being diabetic doesn't increase your chances of having a "hypo"?

I was of the understanding that if you are a non-medicated diabetic there is no significant risk from hypoglycaemia, apart from the same risk that anybody exercising on in-sufficient fuel may suffer? What you call "bonking" on a long day on the bike? Generally not medically serious and nothing at all like the risk from severe hypoglycaemia in an insulin user?
 
I don't know if anyone read this thread.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=28544&p=264633&hilit=driving+iddt#p264633

If you read at the bottom of the article, people who do not have hypoawareness should not drive long distance without first ensuring that their levels are above 7.

I did email some questions regarding Type 2's to IDDT about hypos and Type2's in light of having read here that some Type2's who are not on hypo inducing meds have posted that they feel perfectly alright at levels below 4.

The reply that I got was that although they may feel alright they are still breaking the law and if they were involved in an RTA and it was known that they were a diabetic and there levels were tested and found to be low then they would be in trouble as would their HC Team for not explaining about the dangers of low levels. This was particularly poignant to me as I do experience levels below 4 and always make sure that my levels are 5 and above before driving. Some ambulance personel take blood sugar readings as part of their assessment of the patient.

I also asked about non diabetics driving with low levels. It was stated that at present the law does not require non diabetics to be aware of their levels and whilst some diabetics think that this is unfair there are no plans to include this in the Driving Laws.

Imagine the test strip problem if every driver had to be sure about their levels. :crazy:
 
Catherine,

I am getting rather confused by what appears to be conflicting advice.

That article clearly states that "metformin does not cause hypos" and the advice on the site is generally aimed at insulin users.

I cannot see how I can be legally required to test my blood before driving when I am unmedicated and have no increased risk on a hypo?

I don't need hypo awareness because I have no risk of hypos?

Can somebody please explain why I am more risk of hypo than a non-diabetic?
 
Grazer said:
Sid Bonkers said:
I think you will find that exercise can and does bring on hypos xzxxy, its not just insulin and glic, anyone can have a hypo and if you are T2 and do not eat regularly and exercise heavily you are at more of a risk of a hypo.
Click to expand...

Don't dsagree completely, but I think it's down to definition. Hpoglycemia refers to low blood sugar, and yes exercise and lack of eating can cause this in anyone, diabetic or not. My daughter who is non-diabetic gets this. But their are two key issues here I believe:-
1) The only reason why a type 2 diabetic on diet only may be more likely to get a "hypo" than a non-diabetic is that they are more likely to be restricting their food intake due to diet. A non-diabetic on a reduced food intake such as a weight loss program would have the same extra risk
2) The hypo they do get is of a far lower magnitude. That is, they have low blood sugar symptoms but not the dangerous insulin induced hypo that requires medical assistance unless they have other metabolic issues affecting them.

In other words, I think "Hypo" is defined and used too loosely in this regard
Click to expand...

I am of the same opinion as Grazer on this one.

Glad you had a good night out :thumbup:
 
snowy_barks said:
I was of the understanding that if you are a non-medicated diabetic there is no significant risk from hypoglycaemia, apart from the same risk that anybody exercising on in-sufficient fuel may suffer?
Click to expand...

Sure, that's what I said. I think we're agreeing 100%? That was my answer 1) .
My answer 2) was saying that the hypos (low blood sugar) we get are the same as a non-diabetic
 
catherinecherub said:
I did email some questions regarding Type 2's to IDDT about hypos and Type2's in light of having read here that some Type2's who are not on hypo inducing meds have posted that they feel perfectly alright at levels below 4.

The reply that I got was that although they may feel alright they are still breaking the law and if they were involved in an RTA and it was known that they were a diabetic and there levels were tested and found to be low then they would be in trouble as would their HC Team for not explaining about the dangers of low levels. This was particularly poignant to me as I do experience levels below 4 and always make sure that my levels are 5 and above before driving. Some ambulance personel take blood sugar readings as part of their assessment of the patient.
Click to expand...

Catherine, I read your link and I think you may have misunderstood it. It clearly states that T2 on Diet or Metformin AREN'T covered by this, and only if they add other drugs (Sulfonureas etc) should they check. If you got a separate reply from someone (sorry, couldn't see it on the link) about RTA's, then I tend to think it was someone making it up on a "Health and Safety first" basis. I spoke to the DVLA and they clearly told me "No requirements"

snowy_barks said:
Catherine,

I am getting rather confused by what appears to be conflicting advice.

That article clearly states that "metformin does not cause hypos" and the advice on the site is generally aimed at insulin users.

I cannot see how I can be legally required to test my blood before driving when I am unmedicated and have no increased risk on a hypo?

I don't need hypo awareness because I have no risk of hypos?

Can somebody please explain why I am more risk of hypo than a non-diabetic?
Click to expand...

So, you aren't required to test your blood. And You aren't in my opinion (see previous post) at greater risk of a hypo UNLESS you don't eat adequately, (applies to non-diabetic too) and any "Hypo" will not be the same as a dangerous insulin-induced one
 
snowy_barks said:
Can somebody please explain why I am more risk of hypo than a non-diabetic?
Click to expand...

Yes I'd like to know that as well - so why as a diet + Met T2 who is not overweight and runs his BG's at marginally above non diabetic levels do I have more chance of a hypo? Any takers, Sid?, Catherine? anyone?
 
Grazer,

Please don't shoot the messenger. I contacted IDDT with the relevant questions after reading the link and that is the reply that I got. Your suggestion of making it up for Health and Safety reasons is not something that IDDT would do. They are a well known and respected site and have no axe to grind.

Although they used to be a site exclusively for Type1's they have broadened their horizons now take any queries from Type2's.

It is very difficult to get answers from some HCP's and if as the document suggests that Type2's on diet/metformin are not at risk of hypos I was querying as to whether a low reading on diet/metformin is not classed as a hypo.

Someone could be driving back from an allotment, feel odd and have to stop or, having been to the gym and feeling perfectly alright someone might, 10 minutes into their journey feel odd. They could even be driving home from work and their sugars become low because they are hungry. I know that it will not last long but was asking is this classed as a hypo. Someone else may have no symptoms at all and carry on driving. An accident can happen within seconds. I am well aware that these situations can be the same for a non diabetic.

The trouble is that there are so many questions and answers and the answers vary depending who you ask.
 
xyzzy said:
I'm not sure what your point or intent is here?
Click to expand...

My intention and the point of my post was to correct the inaccurate information you posted.

xyzzy said:
I agree exercise and eating patterns can cause hypos,
Click to expand...

Thank you, so what was your point or your intention in the above comment? Sorry xyzzy but if you are going to state inaccurate information then you must expect someone to correct you, in this case it was me, nothing sinister so stop imagining there is eh :D
 
The hypos caused by too much exercise and not enough fuel are not dangerous 99.9% of the time.

Anyone can hypo.

A hypo caused by diabetic drugs are a completely different ball game and can be life threatening.
 
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