2b. Effect of Alcohol on Blood Sugar
For patients with diabetes, controlling blood sugar levels is an important part of their routine. This is because they have issues with the hormone insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar.
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Blood Sugar Levels
In both diabetes type 1 and 2, a patient will need to make sure they check their blood sugar levels often, and avoid substances that can negatively affect these levels. Alcohol is one of these substances, and can affect the blood sugar in a couple of ways.
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High Blood Sugar Levels
- Long-term alcohol use can cause high blood sugar levels in diabetic patients who are well-nourished
- High blood sugars can damage organs and lead to health problems like heart disease, vision loss and kidney disease
Low Blood Sugar Levels
- Long-term alcohol use can cause low blood sugar levels in diabetic patients who are not well-nourished
- Diabetics with low blood sugar may feel weak, act confused and have trouble walking or seeing