Melaniedardis
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If lack of insulin can lead to hyperglycemia, how does alcohol cause hypoglycemia in Type 1 diabetes?
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alcohol
- Thread starter Melaniedardis
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Hi,
I was of the understanding alcohol intake might provoke sustained hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes and not type 1.
However the so called binge drinking with hangover can cause problems relating to hypoglycemia in both type 1 and 2.
Its is a difficult question to answer as alcohol in excess causes many problems such as Liver disease.
In moderation there should be no problems.
Roy.
I was of the understanding alcohol intake might provoke sustained hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes and not type 1.
However the so called binge drinking with hangover can cause problems relating to hypoglycemia in both type 1 and 2.
Its is a difficult question to answer as alcohol in excess causes many problems such as Liver disease.
In moderation there should be no problems.
Roy.
My understanding is that the liver prioritises dealing with the alcohol before releasing the glucose, as the alcohol is a toxin which needs getting rid of.
This therefore, slows the release of glucose into the blood, so for type 2 on diet only or non-insulin type meds it will reduce the spikes of 'carbs' eaten - I know I can have more carbs if I have a glass of wine with the meal.
Re T1 or T2 on insulin type meds, the alcohol messes up the calculations of insulin required, leading to hypo territory.
One of the more scientific bods will be around soon but I think that's the jist of it.
Mary x
This therefore, slows the release of glucose into the blood, so for type 2 on diet only or non-insulin type meds it will reduce the spikes of 'carbs' eaten - I know I can have more carbs if I have a glass of wine with the meal.
Re T1 or T2 on insulin type meds, the alcohol messes up the calculations of insulin required, leading to hypo territory.
One of the more scientific bods will be around soon but I think that's the jist of it.
Mary x
Melaniedardis
Newbie
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Panic not, Mary. My concern is raised for the purposes of research and understanding, not personal crisis!
Thank-you for your feedback, re liver and its effect on insulin - it makes perfect sense. I was just getting confused about the changes in blood sugar, especially as alcohol has so much sugar. This led me to think that the insulin levels would take a massive dip, being all used up, (and unlikely to be topped up again if a person is intoxicated or asleep) and that the remaining sugar would bring on the symptoms of hyperglycemia. But everything I read warned of hypoglycemia!
Thank-you again,
Melanie
Thank-you for your feedback, re liver and its effect on insulin - it makes perfect sense. I was just getting confused about the changes in blood sugar, especially as alcohol has so much sugar. This led me to think that the insulin levels would take a massive dip, being all used up, (and unlikely to be topped up again if a person is intoxicated or asleep) and that the remaining sugar would bring on the symptoms of hyperglycemia. But everything I read warned of hypoglycemia!
Thank-you again,
Melanie
