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The treatment of type 2 diabetes is achieved with the help of Metformin. People who are dealing with type 2 diabetes often suffer from issues with insulin production within their bodies. The levels of glucose in the blood in our body are controlled and regulated by the hormone, insulin. Thus, it’s very important to know the benefits of Metformin and alcohol.
Insulin operation is hampered if you are dealing with type 2 diabetes. Although, you should be aware of how the Metformin and alcohol combination works. The blood sugar level tends to spike if insulin is not working properly.
One of the common reasons it happens is when the body doesn’t produce sufficient insulin for helping the body process glucose. This problem can also be dealt with by the combination of Metformin and alcohol.
Metformin plays a great role in reducing the level of blood sugar in your body. It helps in lowering the component of glucose which is released by the liver into the bloodstream. It also serves in assisting the responses of your body regarding insulin so that your body can use glucose properly. If you are curious whether the combination of Metformin and alcohol is beneficial or not, then you should definitely read this article!
Is Drinking Alcohol While Taking Metformin Recommendable?
If you consume alcohol in small quantities while taking Metformin medication, then it is unlikely to cause a problem. Although if someone is dealing with complications with alcohol use orders then the combination of Metformin and Alcohol could be dangerous.
Metformin consumers run the risk of severe lactic acidosis after the consumption of excessive quantities of alcohol. So, you should be cautious while combining Metformin and alcohol. Metformin enhances insulin sensitivity in the body as well as lowering the content of glucose in the blood, the production of which is carried out by the liver. You should keep yourself well informed before combining Metformin and alcohol.
Alcohol has an adverse effect on your liver. Combining Metformin and alcohol can stress your liver and hamper or lower its functioning. This condition can also worsen over time and the people who consume higher quantities of alcohol are more prone to this problem.
Is Metformin Medication Mandatory to Treat Type 2 Diabetes?
A person who is dealing with type 2 diabetes can (and should) undergo some changes in their lifestyle to treat it if they fear the side effects of Metformin as well as different other antidiabetic medications.
Although, the people who don’t experience any side effects whatsoever also prefer to avoid this long-term intake of medication since healing naturally is more beneficial in the long run. You should read this article till the end to know more about Metformin and alcohol reaction.
Most people can easily better their conditions by making some changes in their lifestyle. Some of them are enumerated as below:
#1. Changes in Diet
A study performed in 2017 reveals that making some significant changes in your diet lowers the symptoms of type 2 diabetes effectively and also further prevents several associated complications. The more you keep your diet healthy, the less prone you are to face any symptoms.
#2. Losing Weight
Maintaining an ideal weight can be very beneficial for individuals who are prone to face diabetic problems. By remaining fit and indulging in a healthy lifestyle, you would not invite any unwanted problems which you are unable deal with. You will thus not feel the need to use any medication if you remain fit.
#3. Regular Exercise
As a study suggests, if you exercise regularly for some time each day, it helps in improving the symptoms of type 2 diabetes for the temporal period. Meanwhile, it also strengthens immunity which is a most important factor while dealing with such complications.
#4. Avoid Consumption of Alcohol
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes would lead to lesser complications if you avoid smoking as well as consuming alcohol since such addictions cause a greater negative impact on your lungs and liver, thus lessening the immunity of your body.
What Are Some Of The Risks Associated With Combining Metformin and Alcohol?
Irrespective of the medication you take, you should always be well informed about its side effects and other consequences which might follow as a result after its consumption. The same is the case with a combination of Metformin and alcohol.
The mixing of Metformin and alcohol can be prove to be extremely fatal although it happens quite rarely. But the people who consume alcohol regularly are more prone to such complications.
Such effects might last a lifetime, the most important of which is the development of low blood sugar levels which is popularly known as Hypoglycemia. One of the more commonly associated conditions is lactic acidosis. You should be aware of these complications before intaking Metformin and alcohol.
Here are some of the complications detailed below:-
#1. Hypoglycemia
Excessive drinking and consumption of alcohol, while you are taking metformin medications, can significantly lower your blood sugar levels. Sulfonylureas is the other type 2 diabetes with a greater risk of hypoglycemia.
If you are mixing Metformin and alcohol, then this could be highly fatal. So it is recommended to maintain complete precaution while you are on this medication. Some of the symptoms are listed below:
- Severe Headache
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Blurry Vision
- Drowsiness
To avoid such symptoms, you should consult your doctor before consuming Metformin and alcohol.
#2. Lactic Acidosis
Although the occurrence of lactic acidosis is quite rare, it has severe side effects. It is majorly caused because of a buildup of excessive lactic acid in the blood. The production of lactic acid is undertaken by the body because of the usage of energy.
After the consumption of Metformin and alcohol, the body is prone to produce excess quantities of lactic acid. After consumption of alcohol, it is difficult for your body to easily lessen the production of lactic acid.
This has serious implications on your heart, kidneys, blood vessels as well as lungs. You should take the advice of your doctor before consuming Metformin and alcohol. If this issue is not treated right away, then your organs might stop functioning which can prove to be fatal.
Some of the associated symptoms are as follows:-
- Exhaustion
- Weakness
- Light headedness
- Breathing problems
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Faster heart rates
Lactic acidosis is a severe medical emergency that is recommended to be treated and taken care of in a hospital. After consuming metformin, if you are drinking regularly, you are highly prone to face such symptoms. You should consult your doctor immediately if so.
Can Hypoglycemia Be Treated?
It’s very important to avoid drinking regularly if you suffer from diabetes or hypoglycemia. Since the intake of metformin and alcohol can prove to be excessively fatal, you should eat such foods which can stimulate your blood sugar level.
Many people who are dealing with diabetes also carry glucose tablets with them so they can quickly consume them to stimulate their blood sugar levels.
Some other options include regular soda, milk, hard candies as well as juice. After consumption, you should immediately check your blood sugar levels after 15 minutes.
If you are dealing with excessive symptoms of hypoglycemia like loss of consciousness, then you should consume glucose tablets as soon as possible. You should also seek advice from your physician regarding the consumption and associated risks of consuming Metformin and alcohol.
It is also recommended to always keep a glucagon hypoglycemia rescue kit handy. This kit consists of glucagon, a kind of natural substance that perfectly keeps your blood sugar level balanced, a syringe and other various instructions.
This kit is of great help while you are dealing with hypoglycemia. It is also recommended to contact your nearest doctor regarding the consumption of Metformin and alcohol.
You should take action according to the suggestions given by your doctor. Since the people who take metformin medication usually suffer from diabetes, you might be advised to have a rescue kit on you. This could prove to be a lifesaver!
What Are The Precautions One Must Follow After Taking Alcohol Along With Metformin?
Having metformin and alcohol can significantly reduce your blood sugar levels, therefore, affecting diabetes. The consumption of alcohol might lower your blood sugar levels after 24 hours.
Most people can consume alcohol to a certain limit depending on their condition. For women, it is recommended to consume just one drink a day and no more. For men, it is suggested to restrict to a maximum of two drinks per day.
You should keep in mind the following if you’re dealing with diabetes and consuming alcohol:
- Avoid consumption of alcohol on an empty stomach
- Avoid drinking alcohol when your blood sugar level is lower
- You should eat food either before or after drinking alcohol
- Stay hydrated by drinking sufficient water
- Checking blood sugar levels before and after drinking
The combination of Metformin and alcohol can hurt your health. Although, this doesn’t mean that you cannot consume alcohol at all. Since different people are affected by it differently, you should consult your doctor about it. Consume alcohol as per the advice of your doctor.
If the doctor prescribes that you can consume alcohol in moderation, then, by keeping in mind the aforementioned precautions, you are free to consume it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is it safe to skip Metformin for a day?
A: If you skip the dose of Metformin for a day, then it can escalate the risk of blindness, damage in nerves as well as diseases related to the kidney and heart. You should immediately take the dose of the oral diabetes medication in case you have missed it. If you have missed the time of the dose, then skip it and take the next dose as per your schedule.
Q2. Who should avoid Metformin?
A: People who are 65 years or more are advised not to consume Metformin. Individuals who have experienced heart stroke, liver disease or diabetic ketoacidosis are also advised against taking Metformin.
Q3. When should one take Metformin? During the morning or at night?
A: Standard metformin is recommended to be consumed twice or thrice a day. But make sure to take it with your metals for lowering the stomach as well as bowel effects that might take place. Although most people take metformin with both breakfasts as well as dinner, you can also take extended-release metformin once a day and during dinner.
Q4. What should be an ideal time gap between two Metformin doses?
A: Metformin is taken once a day or right after you have eaten your meal. This is taken normally during the morning. If an individual requires a comparatively higher dose of metformin, then, they can take it twice or thrice a day. Usually, time-lapses between two consecutive doses are six hours apart.
Q5. What is not suggested to eat after taking Metformin?
A: According to a recent study, it is recommended to not consume high-fiber foods after an intake of Metformin since fiber has the potential to bind to drugs by reducing its concentration. Metformin levels tend to lower in the body if you are taking it with higher amounts of fiber exceeding 30 grams per day.
Conclusion
Overall, metformin could be considered to be one of the most precious as well as invaluable drugs for treating diabetes if used properly. Although, you should definitely consider seeking advice from your doctor regarding mixing metformin and alcohol.
One of the most common side effects of it is diarrhea. You can reduce the risk of diarrhea by using extended-release Metformin. Patients who consume Metformin and alcohol are also at higher risks of dehydration along with other issues. Let’s check out some YouTube content creators who were previously addicted to alcohol.
Water loss is increased if you drink alcohol since it stimulates urination. Although Metformin is not meant for everyone, through proper information about the intake of metformin and alcohol, you can treat/control type 2 diabetes significantly.
