In this scenario, EM, the 52-year-old alcoholic, has battled type 2 diabetes for long. EM consumes alcohol while taking medication, thereby going against the recommendations of care providers. Evidence shows that doctors discourage alcohol intake when taking type 2 diabetes medications such as extended-release glyburide and sustained-release metformin (Glucophage) (Alromaihi, Zielke & Bhan, 2010). This analysis shows that the death of EM is a result of various factors associated with inappropriate use of prescription medicines.
The factors that are involved in the death of EM include glucose utilization, inappropriate use of prescription drugs, and effects of alcohol. EM is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and the doctor advises him to take the prescribed drugs, but to keep of alcohol, due to its negative reactionary effects with medications. Diabetes mellitus occurs when the pancreas fails to produce insulin hormones that help in regulating blood sugar levels (Dunning, 2013). Diabetes occurs in pancreases that fail to produce enough insulin.
While insulin transfers glucose into cells for energy creation, diabetes makes sure that patients cannot utilize glucose properly, creating blood buildups. Although it is manageable, diabetes development mixes genes and lifestyle that if not well managed may create serious complications.
Metformin extended-release tablets such as Glucophage, create lactic acidosis, a near-fatal condition (Dunning, 2013). These cases exist among patients with particular problems too. Lactic acidosis is greater for patients that are taking alcohol and have problems with their hearts, liver, and kidneys. Further, the pancreas of a type-2 diabetic patient responds to insulin inappropriately. Thus, consuming alcohol makes the management of blood sugar worse among these patients.
With a poor pancreas, the patient is prone to chronic elevations in blood sugar levels, contributing to the patient’s death (Dunning, 2013). From the case, EM is indulging in alcohol drinking while aware that alcohol reacts negatively with the prescription drugs. This is a case of blatant ignorance on the part of EM.
Next, Hypoglycemia is an imbalance between insulin intake and the psychological needs of a body (Becker, 2001). Hypoglycemia occurs in patients who drink a lot of alcohol, particularly because alcohol intoxication is prone to hypoglycemic impacts. Alcohol restrains gluconeogenesis thereby worsening hypoglycemia. The patient could have severe organ illnesses, given his long-term addiction to alcohol. A possible cause for EM’s death is liver or kidney disease, associated with alcohol and hypoglycemia.
Indeed, doctors often advise patients to limit their alcohol intake when taking extended-release tablets (Becker, 2001). Patients should avoid binge drinking or habitual alcohol drinking; because, alcohol increases the possibility of acquiring lactic acidosis. According to the author, the upsurge of blood lactic acid often causes serious damages.
Although lactic acidosis is rare, it occurs in patients with abnormal working kidneys (Becker, 2001). Lactic acidosis occurs and is fatal to the majority of those who consume it. Additionally, alcohol initiates the effects of Metformin hydrochloride because of its impact on lactate metabolism. Healthcare providers should thus caution patients against taking in excessive alcohol when using extended release drugs such as glyburide.
This case brings to life the documented effects of alcohol use when taking medication. Taking extended-release glyburide and sustained-release metformin (Glucophage) while indulging in alcohol blatantly, despite the doctor’s precautions, is ignorance on EM’s part. The documented near-fatal effects of alcohol on the lives of medicating patients come to life in this paper.
Furthermore, contraindications often state that type 2 diabetes medications have a negative reaction on patients that may lead to their death. It is therefore important that patients follow the indications from doctors regardless of their addiction to alcohol.
References
Alromaihi, D., Zielke, J. & Bhan, A. (2010). Challenges of Type 2 Diabetes in Patients with Alcohol Dependence. Clinical Diabetes, 30(3), 120-122.
Becker, K. (2001). Principles and Practice of Endocrinology and Metabolism. New York: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Dunning, T. (2013). Care of People with Diabetes: A Manual of Nursing Practice. New York: John Wiley & Sons.