Q: I am 38 years old and have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I take Glucophage 500 mg three times a day. My random glucose level is under control (around 160), but my fasting level always remains high (approximately 160-165). I want to know if I can take alcohol, i.e., two whisky drinks (60 x 2=120 ml) 2-3 times a week. Will it increase my sugar level? Also, can I take Glucophage after two drinks? Will it have any counter reaction with alcohol in my system? I have heard that the sugar level drops abnormally after taking alcohol. What is the effect of alcohol on diabetes? I go for evening walk for 30-45 minutes every day.

A:Alcohol is not recommended for diabetic patients, as when you take alcohol the liver recognises alcohol as a toxin so tries to clear that and if you have a low sugar the liver will not respond and produce glucose. Signs of hypoglycaemia cannot be differentiated from alcoholism. Alcohol also has a lot of calories; therefore it can both increase and decrease your sugar levels. Long-term heavy alcohol intake is associated with an increased prevalence of cancer, hypertension, cirrhosis of the liver and symptomatic neuropathy. Your fasting blood sugar is high. Firstly, you need to get your recent FBS,PP and HbA1c done and see an endocrinologist.