Type 2 Diabetes - How Alcohol Affects Blood Sugar

We know how the effects of alcohol can impact the body. From tissue, to how organs function, and to hormones, alcohol has the ability to negatively impact all of them, and more. But what exactly does alcohol do to blood sugar? And just how destructive are those effects long-term?

To understand how destructive alcohol is to blood sugar, you first have to understand exactly what it is that is being damaged. Glucose is the energy source for the body. The level of glucose in the body's blood is partially regulated by hormones. Without the right amount of glucose the body beings to suffer. One of the areas that is largely affected by a lack of glucose is the brain since the brain does not have the capability to manufacture or store glucose.

When an individual consumes alcohol, the alcohol interferes with the sources of glucose and how it's supply is regulated by hormones. This is further inhibited by the fact that alcoholics typically are not very interested in proper nutrition. Therefore, they are not getting the right amount of glucose from their choices of foods. Now, the effects of alcohol are interfering in two ways.

Alcoholics have a common tendency to skip meals because they are "drinking" them. This is interference number three. As an alcoholic is drinking, the body's glucose supply is restricted because the body is so focused on trying to metabolize the alcohol. Interference number four.

When you take numbers three and four and combine them, this is what is happening while the body is simultaneously experiencing episodes of very low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. These episodes can hit a few hours after a period of heavy drinking, or they can be held off for even as long as a day or two.

As if the concept of a hypoglycemic episode wasn't enough, the body is unable to counteract the effects of the low blood sugar because the presence of massive amounts of alcohol are impeding it. Hormones, which would normally be called in to help out are restricted by alcohol. Interference number five.

All of these reasons are why many alcoholics can eventually develop Type 2 diabetes.

Many people harbor the belief that only acute alcoholics or those who have other health issues are at risk of having their blood sugar affected so dramatically. This could not be farther from the truth. Alcohol can affect the blood sugar levels in the healthiest of individuals, no matter what their medical history is or their level of fitness.

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Alcohol and Diabetes: Is It Safe?

Type 2 diabetes is a serious health problem that affects many Americans. This condition is characterized by disruptions in the normal processing of sugar within the body. Patients who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are asked to change their diets and to start exercising to help get sugars back to normal glucose levels. This is often a long, difficult process for most patients. One thing that many patients enjoy is their daily glass of wine or beer and many fear that, if they ask, their doctor will say that they can no longer have that.

The American Diabetes Association does not recommend against the consumption of alcohol as long as it is done in moderation. Patients with diabetes are given the same advice as other patients, as long as they do not have other health problems that alcohol can affect. Men are advised to limit their intake to two or less glasses per day. Women are advised to stick to one or less drinks per day.

What is important for patients to understand is that alcohol may affect them different now that they are diabetic. Alcohol stops the liver from releasing stored sugars and it also increases the effectiveness of insulin. Although it may sound like this is a good thing, it can result in patients have blood sugar levels that drop too low. When levels drop too low the patient can experience headaches, shakiness, fainting and coma. What is particularly dangerous about alcohol is that it may affect the patient's ability to recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia before it is too late.

In addition, diabetic patients who use medications and insulin to lower blood glucose readings are at the highest risk for dangerously low blood sugar drops because of alcohol. These patients may not be aware of this risk if they never discuss their alcohol use with their doctor. Patients who take these medications should never drink on an empty stomach. They should be advised to limit their intake to the recommended amounts and to snack while drinking. Meals should never be skipped to replace the carbohydrates or calories with an alcoholic beverage.

People with type 2 diabetes should not be afraid to discuss their alcohol use with their doctor. Knowing the risks of drinking for the diabetic patient is extremely important. By discussing this with your doctor you can learn how to avoid dangerous complications and how to drink alcohol safely. In addition, you may learn that you are drinking too much and can get help to reduce the amount of alcohol that you are drinking. Always ask your doctor if it is safe to drink, especially if you have been prescribed medications for your diabetes.