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Metformin and Alcohol

Certain people are interested in what happens when someone mixes alcohol with Metformin?  This commonly prescribed drug for managing type 2 diabetes and is recognized for its efficacy in controlling glucose levels. However, when used concurrently with liquor, it may lead to various wellness implications. This essay explores the potential risks of consuming booze while taking this medicine.

Relationship

  1. Medication: is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps control sugar by reducing glucose production and enhancing insulin sensitivity in the body (1).
  2. Liquor: On the other hand, liquor is a psychoactive substance with varying impact on the body and mind. Consuming large amounts can cause various issues, including liver disease, pancreatitis, and a spike or drop in  glucose (2).

Interaction

  • Lactic Acidosis: One significant concern about combining this drug and drinking is the increased risk of lactic acidosis. This rare but serious metabolic complication happens when lactate builds up in the body faster than it can be removed, causing symptoms such as weakness, stomach pain, slow heart rate, and shortness of breath (3).
  • Hypoglycemia: Another risk is hypoglycemia. While the medicine itself doesn’t typically cause low glucose, booze does. When combined, they might significantly lower  it, especially if a meal is skipped (4).
  • Liver Function: Both substances are metabolized in it, adding extra stress, potentially leading to harm over time (5).

Precautions

Given these potential outcomes, the following are advisable:

  • Limit or avoid booze intake.
  • Never skip meals, especially when drinking.
  • Regularly monitor glucose markers.
  • Regularly get organ function tests.

Conclusion

The interaction between these two substances can pose serious issues, including organ damage. Patients on this medicine should be extremely cautious about their alcohol consumption and always discuss their drinking habits with their healthcare provider.

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