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Metformin and alcohol

S

sharonsw

Member
Messages
10
Hi all

Just started taking Metformin and whilst reading the literature is says NOT to have alcohol???

My diabetes nurse never mentioned this and I'm guessing that it'll still be ok in moderation (which apparently is not half a bottle of rose wine as that made me feel horrid). Anyway, metformin taking is quite new - about 2 weeks and only 500mg morning and night.

So, really looking for confirmation that everyone on this board taking metformin is not teetotal. My sugars aren't too bad and if I were just to have a fasting blood test and HBA1C you wouldn't know I was diabetic, it's the GTT that's a big fail for me.

Thanks in advance.
 
Probably not all tea-total but then we're not p'artists either.

I do take metformin SR daily and I occasionally enjoy a few single malts or a glass of strong real ale without any upset. So long as you monitor your BG's then I doubt if you will encounter any serious problems.
 
I am on met and I do have a couple of glasses of wine now and then with food- but I find that anymore than that makes me feel really ill for a couple of days - not BS wise but a really bad hangover type feeling that lasts far longer than a normal hangover - I loved a drink before diagnosis but now I just enjoy the couple as it's not worth it for me to have more
 
Forgot to say, that I've had a few too many whilst being on metformin and not had any problems, but whoever I'm with knows I'm diabetic and wouldn't just leave me.
 
sharonsw said:
Hi all

Just started taking Metformin and whilst reading the literature is says NOT to have alcohol???
Click to expand...

You'll probably find that in every piece of literature, the disclaimers/warnings don't half go on, I'm surprised there's no reference to a Nuclear Strike listed :roll:

Moderation and awareness sharonsw that's my take on it, all things effect people differently so there's no better judge than yourself, if the body isn't happy about something it usually aint long in letting you know.

I'm new to Metformin myself, had a bottle of red wine last Friday, my first venture into alcohol since diagnosis, felt great the next morning. I don't seem to experience gastro problems either like some people, mind you I take them with my meal so whether that takes that edge off them I dont know.

Disclaimer:- your experience may differ :mrgreen:
 
Thanks all.

I know I'm not going to be able to indulge to the same extreme and certainly will be watching what it is I drink. The Rose gave me a massive headache - more like I would with a bottle or more previously.

So, for me it's not going to be worth the headache to over indulge, but would still like to have the odd drink. :)
 
sharonsw said:
The Rose gave me a massive headache - more like I would with a bottle or more previously.
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Maybe because you'd backed off drinking for a while? I asked an Endocrinologist who specialises in diabetes, (I paid lots as a one-off to get advice and clarify my understanding of diabetes) and lectures doctors on the subject, about this in case I have to go on Metformin! I pointed out I'd read that metformin and alcohol don't go. His answer, and I quote, was "rubbish! You have to understand there's a lot of alcohol fascism in my profession" So carry on enjoying!
 
Grazer said:
(I paid lots as a one-off to get advice and clarify my understanding of diabetes)

His answer, and I quote, was "rubbish! You have to understand there's a lot of alcohol fascism in my profession" So carry on enjoying!
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Money well spent :D
 
I'm afraid I still like my beer, a bit more than the 21 units a week. I was on Metformin but I couldn't tolerate the stomach unpsets, constipation, discomfort etc. My BG was OK. always no greater then 6.5, and mostly below 6. I was taking 1 x 500 mg per day. I have seen in this forum stomach upsets, are relatively common with Metformin, and controlled release is better. However my doctor just chenged me to Sitagliptin ( sorry if the spelling is wrong ) 50 mg a day, and I am fine.
 
lol. it wasn't a cheap one.

I'm wondering if I'm not agreeing with the metformin actually. I've been feeling quite sicky since starting it. I'm taking 2 x 500mg a day, so one in morning, one in evening. Not enjoying feeling nauseous most of the time.
 
I've been on Metformin SR for years and have no problem with sensible quantities of alcohol. At least alcohol is one thing you can indulge in as a diabetic without worrying too much about BS level or anything else.
 
I've just read this and wondered the same.

I've only been diagnosed recently, before whenever I had a drink, in moderation, I instantly had an an allergic type reaction, and near enough passed out.

Now I'm on metformin, I must admit the alcohol has no bad side effects anymore.
I feel much better.

The only one that had a great affect on my BG was a strong sweet beer abroad, and a glass of sweet fizzy wine.

The problem now is cutting back down after re-finding my freedom!
 
as you drink a do not take pills on that day and the next day wes as usual. simply in which day you want to get a drink do not take tablets. :)
 
Before I read the Metformin notes included when I went on 2x500 morning and evening, it was my habit to have a couple of pints of beer 3 or 4 evenings a week in my local pub and a few double scotches with plenty of splashes of water after arriving home at night.
I noticed no ill effects at all.
However, having alarmingly read the notes I tend to drastically limit the scotch now, just to be on the safe side.
I believe that the consultant who declared that his profession was fasist and neurotic about alcohol was certainly correct. Some of the doctors I have known were some of the biggest imbibers I have ever met .... whilst preaching to patients to avoid alcohol !
One doctor at the surgery also occupied a room you could hardly see across for tobacco smoke, and puffed away constantly. He couldn't do that now of course.
 
mrawfell said:
I'm afraid I still like my beer, a bit more than the 21 units a week. I was on Metformin but I couldn't tolerate the stomach unpsets, constipation, discomfort etc. My BG was OK. always no greater then 6.5, and mostly below 6. I was taking 1 x 500 mg per day. I have seen in this forum stomach upsets, are relatively common with Metformin, and controlled release is better. However my doctor just chenged me to Sitagliptin ( sorry if the spelling is wrong ) 50 mg a day, and I am fine.
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I have heard of very bad after effects of Sitagliptin. Not quite as bad as Avandia, though. Please check it out.
 
sharonsw said:
Hi all

Just started taking Metformin and whilst reading the literature is says NOT to have alcohol???

My diabetes nurse never mentioned this and I'm guessing that it'll still be ok in moderation (which apparently is not half a bottle of rose wine as that made me feel horrid). Anyway, metformin taking is quite new - about 2 weeks and only 500mg morning and night.

So, really looking for confirmation that everyone on this board taking metformin is not teetotal. My sugars aren't too bad and if I were just to have a fasting blood test and HBA1C you wouldn't know I was diabetic, it's the GTT that's a big fail for me.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

Hello,
Alcohol is a harmful for body though if you are suffering from diabetes then it would be too difficult to overcome from that.
 
aga32321 said:
as you drink a do not take pills on that day and the next day wes as usual. simply in which day you want to get a drink do not take tablets. :)
Click to expand...

Hi Aga, not very good advice to tell people not to take their tablets, alcohol is perfectly ok in moderation.

Marilyn
 
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