Metformin and Alcohol

[Amitc23]

Hi

I have been taking Metformin for last 3-4 months. The sugar level remains around 125 fasting and random. I also do take 90 ml of Whiskey/Vodka around 4 times a week. My question is that is it ok if I continue to take this much of liquor or shall I reduce it.

Thanks

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

if your fasting is remaining around 125, it is still too high.  What are your post eating numbers?

I am of the opinion that 4 x 90ml of alcohol in a week is not excessive (as long as you don't exceed this much / often).  However, you should know that alcohol can suppress blood sugar.  But your blood sugar is still too high.

Suggest you talk to your doctor about adjusting meds to get better control.  You may also want to look into lower carb eating, and regular exercise, if you don't already, which will also help your control.

[Amitc23]

Hi

Thanks for your reply. I have been taking AMARYL which is 1mg Glimperide and 500 mg Metformin Hydrochloride once in morning.

Thanks

[diabetes86]

I wont go into "random" testing.    Alcohol is a toxin so your Liver stops all other functions (and there are dozens of them) to detoxify your Blood.  Its the liver that removes Met.  So detoxing the alcohol  can cause the Met to build up in your system.

You dont say how much Met you take.  To be a problem you would have to drink for a Looooooong time as in alcoholic behavior where so the liver never has a chance to go back to its other functions.