Drinking Alcohol Despite Diabetes? You Might Be Inviting Life-Threatening Hypoglycaemia – News18
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Alchohol contains calories and carbohydrates, which can cause an immediate spike in blood sugar. Once the alcohol’s effect wears off, blood sugar can drop suddenly, sometimes leading to hypoglycaemia
Alcohol can cause dehydration, which is particularly dangerous for diabetics as it affects blood sugar levels and puts stress on the kidneys. (News18 Hindi)
The habit of drinking alcohol is on the rise, with many people, including diabetes patients, consuming it regularly. However, experts warn that alcohol can directly impact blood sugar levels, making it potentially dangerous for diabetics.
Dr Dinesh Kumar Tyagi, Internal Medicine Specialist at Fortis Hospital in Greater Noida, says diabetes patients should strictly avoid alcohol since it contains calories and carbohydrates, which can cause an immediate spike in blood sugar.
Once the alcohol’s effect wears off, blood sugar can drop suddenly, sometimes leading to hypoglycaemia, a dangerous condition. Such rapid fluctuations can be life-threatening.
Excessive alcohol consumption can also disrupt insulin function, further destabilizing blood sugar levels. Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach can hinder liver function, worsening the condition. According to a World Health Organization report, no amount of alcohol is safe for health. Even the first drop can be harmful.
Health experts also caution that alcohol can cause dehydration, which is particularly dangerous for diabetics as it affects blood sugar levels and puts stress on the kidneys.
Moreover, alcohol is high in calories and can contribute to weight gain, making it harder to manage diabetes effectively. Since maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for blood sugar control, excessive alcohol intake can reduce insulin efficiency and increase complications.
