About Alcohol & High Blood Sugar
Alcohol can both raise and lower an individual's blood-sugar level. Immediately after a drink is consumed, a person's blood-sugar level may go down due to alcohol's interaction with the liver. If alcohol is abused over a long period, the individual may be more prone to episodes of high blood sugar. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you're concerned with alcohol's effect on your blood-sugar levels.
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Alcohol's Short-Term Effect
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According to the American Diabetes Association, alcohol consumption lowers blood sugar. When alcohol is ingested, the liver focuses on cleansing it from the system. During this detoxification process, the liver is unable to introduce glucose into the bloodstream at its normal levels. The glucose that comes from the liver regulates the blood-sugar levels. Without it, an episode of low blood sugar might ensue.
Long-Term Effect
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While alcohol consumption decreases blood sugar in the short term, it can contribute to hyperglycemia over long periods of abuse. Medicinenet.com states that alcohol decreases the effectiveness of insulin over time, which can result in high blood-sugar levels. Some 45 to 70 percent of individuals who had alcoholic liver disease also were diagnosed with glucose intolerance or diabetes.
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Mixers and Blood Sugar
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Chemocare.com points out that certain types of liquids that are frequently mixed with alcohol contain very high levels of sugar, which can cause hyperglycemia. If you are monitoring your sugar levels, you might want to avoid drinks mixed with soda or other sugary beverages.
What is Safe Drinking?
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The American Diabetes Association says that individuals who hope to maintain a healthy blood-sugar level should never drink on an empty stomach. Men should consume no more than two drinks a day; one drink a day for women. The ADA also suggests using low sugar mixers, like club soda or seltzer
Talk To Your Doctor
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If you are monitoring your blood sugar or need more information about the effects of alcohol on blood-sugar levels, ask your doctor. She can advise you about alcohol's effect on your sugar levels and help you come up with safe drinking goals. If you abuse alcohol, your doctor can suggest ways to overcome the addiction.
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