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If you’re taking Metformin, moderate alcohol consumption may be safe. But, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional first.
However, if you struggle with any of the following, the interactions between the two can be dangerous:
Drinking too much alcohol while taking Metformin can lead to metformin-associated lactic acidosis, which can be life-threatening. Metformin also improves the body’s insulin sensitivity and reduces the amount of blood glucose produced by the liver. Meanwhile, alcohol affects the liver.
Mixing the two may cause an over-stressed liver that cannot perform as it should. This problem worsens over time and is especially dangerous for people with ongoing alcohol misuse issues.
If you plan to drink while taking Metformin, keep your drinks to a minimum. It’s recommended to have a maximum of one drink for women and two for men.
Here’s a guide to help you understand what one drink equates to:
It’s important to remember that people’s responses to alcohol may vary. If you want to drink alcohol while taking metformin, consult your doctor for adivce.
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Metformin is a diabetes medication that helps with blood sugar control. Combined with a healthy exercise and diet routine, Metformin can reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Depending on a person’s circumstances, it can be used with or without insulin or other diabetic medications.
Metformin, on its own, can have side effects. However, these side effects happen in more than 1 in 100 people.
These side effects include:
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Metformin users have an increased risk of experiencing upset stomachs and diarrhea. Drinking alcohol also triggers upset stomachs for some people. This is a serious problem when combining the two substances.
Excessive alcohol use can also affect blood glucose levels and contribute to liver damage. Alcohol interferes with your liver’s usual processes, which puts you at risk of low blood sugar. This can worsen when you drink while taking Metformin.
Symptoms of low blood sugar include:
Alcohol also worsens Metformin’s usual side effects, especially gastrointestinal issues. The more you drink, the worse the problems.
Side effects that are likely to be severe when Metformin is combined with alcohol include:
If you choose to drink while using Metformin, consume plenty of water. It’s also a good idea to avoid alcohol consumption when new to Metformin until your body adjusts to the drug.
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It’s important for people who regularly drink alcohol to be cautious when using Metformin. Drinking excessively when using Metformin to treat diabetes can produce potentially life-threatening conditions.
Frequent drinking is also a problem and can trigger various serious complications. The most dangerous issues to arise due to mixing alcohol and Metformin include:
Hypoglycemia is a risk for anyone mixing alcohol and Metformin because of the effect both substances have on blood sugar. Even without high alcohol intake, you can be at risk of low blood sugar levels if you:
Some of the signs of hypoglycemia mimic the usual symptoms of alcohol consumption and include:
If you’re experiencing hypoglycemia symptoms, do the following:
Glucagon is available for prescription. Consider training your family or friends to use the glucagon kit. If your blood sugar levels don’t improve after eating or using glucagon, contact your healthcare provider or seek medical assistance.
Lactic acidosis is one of the most severe risks when you mix Metformin and alcohol. It occurs when your blood supply can’t bring enough oxygen to the muscles and organs and when there is a buildup of lactic acid.
All Metformin users are at risk of this condition. Because of this, the FDA placed a “black box warning” on the drug’s packaging.
Although the risk of developing lactic acidosis while taking Metformin is rare, excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk. If you experience any symptoms of lactic acidosis, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Symptoms include:
The treatment for lactic acidosis varies depending on your situation. You’ll need to treat the underlying cause. Some ways to manage the symptoms include:
Metformin reduces vitamin B-12 absorption for some users. Alcohol consumption also interferes with absorption by causing inflammation in the stomach. With that in mind, combining these two can create a dangerous scenario related to B-12 deficiency.
Warning signs of a B-12 deficiency include:
You can overcome vitamin B-12 deficiency through a proper diet. Good sources of vitamin B-12 include:
Tablets and injections are also available to overcome vitamin B-12 deficiency. You can take vitamin tablets or B-12 injections.
People more sensitive to alcohol’s effects are more at risk for negative effects from combining Metformin with alcohol. These include the following:
If you have diabetes but still want to drink alcohol, you can follow these tips:
Combining alcohol and Metformin is most dangerous when you consume alcohol excessively or use the drug without a doctor’s orders. If your healthcare provider has recommended Metformin and you are concerned that abstaining from alcohol could be a problem, it’s best to seek AUD treatment.
Medical treatment is also necessary if you or a loved one abuses Metformin for weight loss. Available treatment options include:
Combining alcohol and Metformin can cause serious problems. It’s best to limit your drinking or avoid alcohol together when you have diabetes.
Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before drinking while taking medication. They can help you understand the possible risks of drinking alcohol while taking Metformin.
Drinking too much alcohol while on Metformin can lead to unpleasant and even life-threatening side effects. Talk to your doctor so you can maintain optimal blood glucose control and avoid potential risks.
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