Blood Sugar Control in Alcohol-Consuming Diabetics.

Author: Dong Hyeok CHO ¹
Author Information

1. Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea. choshua@chol.com
Publication Type:Original Article
Keywords: Alcohol consumption; Blood glucose; Diabetes mellitus; Hypoglycemia
MeSH: Alcohol Drinking; Blood Glucose; Diabetes Mellitus; Fasting; Female; Gluconeogenesis; Glucose; Humans; Hyperglycemia; Hypoglycemia; Insulin Resistance; Self Care
From:Journal of Korean Diabetes 2012;13(2):91-94
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:Korean
Abstract: Alcohol influences glucose metabolism in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. Moderate alcohol consumption significantly decreases fasting glucose levels, but does not affect postprandial glucose levels. However, acute alcohol intake without food may provoke hypoglycemia. Moderate alcohol consumption may inhibit gluconeogenesis and enhance insulin sensitivity, but excessive alcohol intake (three or more drinks per day) may contribute to hyperglycemia. Daily alcohol intake in diabetics should be limited to a moderate amount (one drink per day or less for women and two drinks per day or less for men). Moderate alcohol intake may have cardiovascular benefits for patients with diabetes, but the trade-off between the cardiovascular benefits versus the potential risk of lower adherence associated with self-care behaviors should be considered.