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Novorapid and Alcohol.

M

Migey

Member
Messages
7
Heya there.

I'm a fairly young guy, and less then a week ago I discovered I have type 1 Diabetes. Bit of a shock. So far I am adjusting fairly okay, and am getting the hang of everything I need to know and do. I am on 4 injections a day, one before I go to bed of a 'background' insulin (Lantus/Glargine) and 3 a day (before meals) of a faster one called Novorapid.

I am aware of the background with alcohol and diabetes: how alcohol can lead to hypos due to the liver prioritising dealing with the alcohol, etc (my grasp of the science behind it may not be so solid), however, while looking up Novorapid, I came across this.

In the case of NovoRapid:

this medicine may interact with alcohol

You must not drink any alcohol if you are taking this medicine.



This was about halfway down this page: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Diabetes-t ... ml%20vials

Is the website saying this for the normal reason that I shouldn't drink due to hypo risk, or are there actually other reasons why I can't drink alcohol while on this insulin, and will never be able to drink alcohol whilst on it? This worries me quite a bit: alcohol is not a huge part of my lifestyle, but nor is it something I want to give up (especially as enough is changing for my life already at the very moment, and I am unwilling to give up more then I have to). Can anyone shed some light on the situation: if I wish to continue drinking alcohol on occasion, will I need to get changed to a different insulin, or is what is said on the website simply the proprietary notification based on the increased risk of hypos while drinking?

Thanks for any help!
 
Hi Migey,

Sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. It is a difficult time but trust me you will get to grips with it and can live a somewhat normal life! It is a treatble disease, but one to take seriously.

There is no (known) interaction between Novorapid and alcohol. The reason you are reading this is because alcohol can lower blood sugar and with a fast acting insulin the onset of a hypo can be quite quickly increased. The effects of alcohol on sobriety as well may impair your judgement regarding hypo-awareness and how to deal with that. There are plenty of incidences where people have died from being alone after drinking too much.

Many people who are diabetics still drink though, but you must be more aware and also not do it on your own! Do not drink on an empty stomach and you may need to adjust your insulin to account for alcohol (depending what type of alcohol) but make sure you frequently monitor if you are drinking, and be responsible!

Good luck,
J
 
I can't get your link to work Migey, however I have the NovoRapid patient leaflet in front of me now and it does not state that you shouldn't drink alcohol, all it says is the following:

''If you are drinking alcohol your need for insulin may change as your blood sugar level may either rise or fall. Careful monitoring is recommended.''

I think the last sentence is appropriate and one you should adhere to until you know what effect it has, you already know why alcohol can cause hypoglycemia and I'm sure you know to carry fast-acting glucose with you at all times. I've been on Novo since the start and I drink alcohol (red wine mainly) on a weekend and have never had a problem, drinking sensibly is the best approach and don't get to the point where you are unable to recognize or treat a hypo yourself, if your in any doubt then it's best that your speak with your diabetes team first.
 
Thanks for the responses guys!

I know I will have to be careful, and especially at this point in my life (first exams start in less then 2 weeks) drinking is not a major priority at the very moment. The fact that I will be able to in the future though is very encouraging for me. Thank you!
 
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