Healthy Living

Alcohol and Diabetes: An Unhealthy Mix

Interference with medications

Another possibility to consider is how alcohol can counteract the effects of medications or even insulin. As mentioned before, alcohol can cause either hyper or hypoglycemia. If a person is taking insulin, this interference with alcohol can be quite dangerous.

In relation to metformin, a medication that’s commonly used in regulating blood sugar levels, avoiding alcohol is the best option. Both of these substances place a great amount of stress on the liver.

Other drugs that would have an adverse interaction with alcohol are:

  • Glyburide
  • Prandin
  • Any medication that is used to regulate blood pressure or cholesterol levels

Often, when diabetes is out of control, or if a diabetic suffers from neuropathy, then alcohol should not be consumed. Also, a healthcare provider should be consulted with any questions about drug interactions.