I had pancreatitis in March 2002. Today I am 67 years old, and have had a few drinks over the last few years. I recovered from pancreatitis, and started taking Metformin for some time, but about 2-3 years ago I developed a need for insulin and prescription Glipizide along with the Metformin. I now am invited into a home of a friend, and he wants to have me and my family come with the intent to have a few drinks and a barbeque. He is like my only family (not really related, but we have done lots of litigation together, he as the attorney, me as the expert witness. I know the only way I won t drink, is not to go. (I don t drink at all, at home usually.) Question: Should I be taking 2-500 MG Metformin twice a day, and 2 Glipizide pills also twice a day? My doctor wants to encourage my organs to produce insulin so he s doubling up on the meds without doubling up on my injected insulin (25 m injectable insulin once a day). FIRST: what is the likelihood I will push myself over the limit and cause irreversible damage to the insulin-producing-organs in my body. such that my body will not get enough insulin. I only want to have a couple drinks. SECOND: Is beer the safest drink for me? I have no problem drinking beer if it is safer. Also, I like red wine (unfortunately I must say that I like wine and even hard liquor).