Alcoholism & Hypoglycemia - How Alcohol Consumption Affects Type 2 Diabetics
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Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, occurs when blood glucose levels drop below a target range. It can be brought on by alcohol as well as:
- Skipping a meal
- Too much physical exercise (or more than you normally do)
- Too much glucose-lowering medication.
Normally, when blood glucose levels drop below the target range, the liver replenishes this level by releasing glucose into the bloodstream. When alcohol is consumed, the liver switches from glucose production to breaking down the alcohol in order to flush it from the body. Glucose secretion is severely decreased while the liver removes alcohol from the body. This can take between 1 to 3 hours per drink. In diabetics, this is a concern particularly if you also take medications to lower blood glucose levels.
While the liver is processing alcohol, hypoglycemia can occur if sugar levels are not restored from eating. For Type 2 Diabetics, the process is usually gradual. Sweating, weakness, shaking, dizziness and hunger are early warning signs and a clear signal for the body to consume more nutrients to elevate sugar levels. If left untreated, more serious symptoms may result such as slurred speech, staggering, confusion and drowsiness. At this stage, hypoglycemia is often easily mistaken for drunkenness.
Depending on your body, hypoglycemia can occur up to 36 hours after overindulging in alcohol. It is also possible for this to develop during the night as blood sugar levels continue to drop as the liver is preoccupied with clearing alcohol from the blood. You may wake with a headache or sweat-soaked, which should not be confused with a hangover.
If you notice symptoms of hypoglycemia, eat or drink something that will quickly raise your blood sugar levels (i.e. fruit juice, candy, soda). Follow these tips to safely include alcohol into your lifestyle:
- Always consult your your healthcare provider to see if it's safe to include a moderate amount of alcohol within your meal plan. Alcohol may react with medications as well, so always ask first. Also note that there are some cases when alcohol consumption is not recommended for diabetics (eg. those with diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage, high blood pressure, people trying to control weight gain, etc).
- Drink only when blood glucose is under control. Check your blood sugar level regularly and watch for early signs of low blood sugar.
- Have a meal with your drink. Food must be digested in the stomach first and thus slows the amount of alcohol from entering the bloodstream. The carbohydrates and sugars will supply your body with necessary glucose.
- Do not drink on an empty stomach. 'Straight' alcoholic drinks and some liquor will quickly pass through the stomach, into the small intestines and be absorbed in bloodstream much faster on an empty stomach. The liver will halt glucose production much more abruptly which may push already low sugar levels into the hypoglycemic range.
- Wear a medical-alert bracelet to inform others of your condition just in case you can't tell them yourself. The symptoms of hypoglycemia can be easily mistaken for drunkenness.
- Do not compromise your eating plan by overindulging in drinks.
- Plan to drive responsibly. Do not drive intoxicated or when blood glucose levels are low.
Can alcohol increase the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes?
Alcoholism may help to contribute to the onset of Type 2 Diabetes, in combination with other factors. Long term alcohol abuse may cause damage to the pancreas and impair its ability to secrete insulin, as well as cause damage to the liver, inhibiting the production of glucose.
Usually, hypoglycemia is mild and easily treated by eating or drinking something with carbohydrates or sugar. Left untreated, it can be fatal. Diabetics should be especially careful to monitor their blood glucose levels regularly, take medications as prescribed, and follow a healthy diet and exercise routine.
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