John i was diagnosed with type 2 a year ago, i still enjoy a drink and the occasional drunken night LOL. You just have to be careful what you eat and how much of it, and make sure you keep taking your meds. Good luck.

With type 2 you're supposed to avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol or drinking alcohol on an empty stomach, as this may affect the control of your blood sugar. However, it's not a "never again" sentence, it's more a lifestyle thing. According to my diabetes specialist, a little of what you fancy does no harm. Going out on the beer every night would. It's more an issue for regular boozers . . .

I did a little research on this for you. I merely entered "drinking and metformin" the Google search engin. The only thing that I will add to what I am about to copy and paste below is that from the other things that I read, excessive drinking was also defined as binge drinking. So if you drink excessively at your stag doo, the followng risk applies to you just as much as it does to an every day drinker. What this woman wrote in this blog to the man who had asked the question, summarizes very well all the things that I read. Here is what I copied. I have provided the link to the site where it says Source.

Seems that you are elevating your risk taking Metformin with alcohol… I would listen to my doctor…why play russian roulette.

Here is what I found in respect to this:

What is the most important information I should know about metformin?

• A small number of people who have taken metformin have developed a serious condition called lactic acidosis that has been fatal in up to 50% of cases. Lactic acidosis has occurred most often in people whose kidneys were not working properly. Liver problems may also increase the risk of developing lactic acidosis. Stop taking metformin and call your doctor immediately if you experience a feeling of general discomfort or sickness; weakness; sore or aching muscles; trouble breathing, unusual drowsiness, dizziness or lightheadedness; unusual or unexplained stomach upset (after the initial stomach upset that may occur at the start of therapy with metformin); or the sudden development of a slow or irregular heartbeat. These may be signs of lactic acidosis.

• Avoid excessive alcohol intake while taking metformin. Together, alcohol and metformin may increase the risk of lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia.

• Metformin does not usually cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Nevertheless, hypoglycemia may occur, as a result of skipped meals, excessive exercise, or alcohol consumption. Know the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar, which include hunger, headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, a fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, and nausea. Carry candy or glucose tablets to treat episodes of low blood sugar.

Yes you can, but very much in moderation. Gone, for you, forever are the days when you could pour it in until it came out of your ears. That is probably what triggered your diabetes in the first place.

The fact that you will soon be married should help to bring about the necessary changes to your lifestyle which will be required if you are to survive this potentially very nasty disease which can blind you and cripple you before it eventually kills you.