I am a type 2 diabetic patient since past 10 years.

[Marangattu]

I am type 2 diabetic patient since past 10 years. I am taking 2 tablets(Gluconorm PGL2) everyday before meals by which my blood sugar level is almost at control. I do consume 2 pegs of whisky/brandy on alternative days. I want to know whether this habit is advisable or not?. I never take more than 2 pegs.

[Marangattu]

your question is very genuine. consumption of alcohol did not harm my health sofar.But still, I will try to stop it

[gangadharan_nair]

Gluconorm PGL2 contains two drug combinations viz., Glimepiride (2 mg) and Pioglitazone (15 mg).

Glimepiride is used along with diet and exercise, and sometimes with other medications, to treat type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). Glimepiride lowers blood sugar by causing the pancreas to produce insulin (a natural substance that is needed to break down sugar in the body) and helping the body use insulin efficiently. This medication will only help lower blood sugar in people whose bodies produce insulin naturally.

Alcohol can make the side effects from glimepiride worse. Consuming alcohol while taking glimepiride also may cause symptoms such as flushing (reddening of the face), headache, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, weakness, blurred vision, mental confusion, sweating, choking, breathing difficulty, and anxiety. Alcohol consumption and exposure to sunlight should be restricted in patients taking it because they can worsen the side effects.

Pioglitazone is used with a diet and exercise program and sometimes with other medications, to treat type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). Pioglitazone is in a class of medications called thiazolidinediones. It works by increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin, a natural substance that helps control blood sugar levels.

Here are some other ways that alcohol can affect diabetes:--

* While moderate amounts of alcohol can cause blood sugar to rise, excess alcohol can actually decrease your blood sugar

level -- sometimes causing it to drop into dangerous levels.

* Beer and sweet wine contain carbohydrates and may raise blood sugar.

* Alcohol stimulates your appetite, which can cause you to overeat and may affect your blood sugar control.

* Alcohol can interfere with the positive effects of oral diabetes medicines or insulin.

* Alcohol may increase triglyceride levels.

* Alcohol may increase blood pressure.

* Alcohol can cause flushing, nausea, increased heart rate, and slurred speech.

Sources:--

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glime...

nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dru...

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piogl...

nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dru...

[Marangattu in reply to gangadharan_nair]

Dear Mr.Gangadharan Nair,

Thank you very much for your valuable quick response in detail

[Marangattu]

Thanks for your advice. I will contact him.

[menonpkv]

cAN U STOP DRINKS ABRUPTLY FOR A WEEK & DECIDE LATER WHETHER TO CONTINUE !