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Alcohol And Diabetes
A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭

I take 2.5 mg of glipzide once a day and 1,000 mg of metformin twice a day. FBS has been very stable all under 5.6. The warning on glipizide states: "Do not drink alcohol while taking this drug." I asked my pharmacist about having a light beer like a Cohrs lite once or twice a week. He said that I should be fine with a very small intake of alcohol. He said never binge drink while on glipizide. Is this sound advice from a reputable pharmacist?

posted September 17, 2022
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A DiabetesTeam Member

Its all down to how well u look after urself, how well u stick to a sensible properly balanced diabetic safe diet, if u exercise regularly every day, drink lots of fresh cold water, allow urself to have a small treat !

posted September 18, 2022 (edited)
A DiabetesTeam Member

Pharmacist know a lot more about medications and side effects. You can read advice on this site about alcohol and what to do : https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabet...

Also if you are on blood thinners there is the fact that alcohol acts as a blood thinner so people on blood thinners should really stay away from alcohol. But again a pharmacist is a reliable resource when it comes to mixing meds with food or drinks, as long as the pharmacist checks all meds and supplements you may be taking to make an informed decision, some supplements with alcohol may not be good : https://www.ridgefieldrecovery.com/drugs/alcoho...

posted September 17, 2022
A DiabetesTeam Member

This is sound advice when using any drugs in the Sulfonylurea class including Glipizide.

This drug class does a few things with the major benefit to (us) being they force the pancreas to release more insulin than it would (naturally).

However, sulfonylureas also "inhibit" the ability of the liver to metabolize and flush alcohol from our system. So while a beer or a shot will not be an issue, having a few could lead to a toxic build-up of alcohol in the system leaving the user much more susceptible to alcohol poisoning at much lower intake then the typical Frat party that got out of hand.

So yes, your pharmacist, who is actually a "medication doctor" has given you sound advice.

posted September 17, 2022
A DiabetesTeam Member

I take an 8 oz glass 🍷 of red wine once a week for a treat. Sutter Home California is medium dry and bitter red wine and it doesn't spike my sugar. I drink in moderation.

posted September 17, 2022
A DiabetesTeam Member

With respect I take 1000mg Metformin twice a day along with my other type2 meds + a statin every night. I LOVE red wine, Newky Brown, cider, gin, my son/daughter-in-law gave me a beer making starter kit for Father's Day this year, it contains everything to make 12ltr bottles of bitter so I've got it on the go making 12ltrs of bitter ready for xmas. With diabetes, alcohol in strict moderation/occasionally does no harm whatsoever as an occasional treat, I also enjoy making Tequila Sunrise cocktails at Xmas too. I never ever get drunk or even tipsy, I may even make Egg Nog this Xmas too as a one-off for Xmas day evening.

posted September 17, 2022 (edited)

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