What Happens to the Body When You Drink Alcohol?
When you drink alcohol, it moves quickly into the bloodstream. Alcohol is metabolised by the
liver and liver metabolises it like any other toxin trying its best to shunt it out of your system.
It takes approximately two hours to metabolise one drink.
Excess alcohol moves through your bloodstream to other parts of the body, particularly the
brain.
The following effects are particularly noteworthy:
1. Can slow down your reaction time;
2. Make you less coordinated;
3. Impairs your vision;
4. Impairs judgement, reasoning, decision making.
5. Affects social behaviour.
Effects of alcohol on blood sugar level:
Excess alcohol intake can affect blood sugar and cause:
1. Low blood sugar levels (Hypoglycaemia);
2. High blood sugar levels (Hyperglycaemia).
Alcohol in combination with diabetes can lead to:
1. Nerve damage in the arms or legs (neuropathy).
2. High blood levels of triglycerides;
3. High blood pressure;
4. Pancreatitis (inflammation of pancreas);
5. High uric acid levels;
6. Liver damage;
7. Impaired Vitamin Absorption
8. Gastritis, Dyspepsia, Bloating.
How Much Alcohol Is “Recommended”?
Ideally, no amount of alcohol is safe.
There is no “recommended” alcohol intake, but generally it is advised to keep it less than 60 ml once or twice per week.
One drink is equivalent to 30 ml distilled spirits like whisky/gin/vodka/rum, 120 ml of wine and 300 ml of beer.
● 120 ml of red wine contains 106 calories and 2.5 gm carbohydrate,
● 1 can of beer (300 ml) contains 153 calories and 15 gm carbohydrate and
● 30 ml vodka/whiskey/rum contain 97 calories and 0 carbohydrate.
Safe Alcohol Drinking Guidelines in Diabetes:
1. Drink only when blood glucose is under control;
2. Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach. Eat before drinking as Food slows down the
absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream;
3. Monitor your blood sugar before and after drinking alcohol. You should also check your
blood glucose before you go to bed to make sure it is at a safe level-between 100 and 140
mg/dL. If your blood glucose is lower, eat something like nuts to raise it;
4. Sip the drink slowly to avoid drinking extra and minimise adverse effects.
5. Use calorie-free drink mixers: diet soda, club soda or water;
6. Talk to your dietician to help you fit alcohol into your food plan;
7. Do not drive or plan to drive for several hours after you drink alcohol;
8. Be prepared: always carry along glucose tablets or another source of sugar;
9. Do not mix alcohol and exercise: physical activity and alcohol will increase your chances
of getting a low blood sugar,
10. Some drugs such as sulfonylureas may rarely produce reaction with alcohol, leading to
flushing, low blood Pressure, nausea, palpitation, shortness of breath, etc.
Therefore check with your physician about your inter relational effects of diabetes and alcohol on your health.
Stay aware, stay ahead!