Sipping the occasional alcoholic beverage is common in many cultures. For some, it serves to relax after a long day. For others, alcohol is the conduit to different states of consciousness, or getting drunk. Regardless of the type of alcoholic beverage -- liquor, wine or beer -- your digestive process is affected and changes to blood glucose levels occur within minutes of your first sip. If you choose to drink, do so responsibly and if you have existing medical problems, seek physician consultation first.
About Blood Glucose
Blood glucose refers to the amount of sugar in your bloodstream. When you consume foods or beverages with carbohydrates, your body converts the carbohydrates into a single sugar molecule, or glucose. The glucose sits in your bloodstream until the pancreas releases insulin to transport the glucose into your cells. Once in your cells, the glucose serves as your primary source of energy. Too little glucose can result in lethargy, fatigue, irritability and weakness. Too much glucose in your bloodstream increases the risk of blurred vision, extremity numbness and confusion. The presence of metabolic disease like diabetes, your dietary habits, physical activity and consumption of alcoholic beverages all affect blood glucose levels.
Blood Alcohol
Alcohol does not digest like other foods, which follow the path of your digestive tract and slowly break down in your stomach and small intestine before absorbing into cells. Instead, alcohol rapidly goes into your bloodstream once it reaches your stomach walls, with blood alcohol levels peaking in as little as 30 minutes after drinking. Alcohol can remain in your bloodstream for up to 12 hours after your first beverage, depending on how much and how long you drink.
Alcohol and Blood Glucose
Most alcoholic beverages contain sugars. However, the change in blood glucose after drinking alcohol comes from its effect on your liver rather than the sugar content of the beverage. Your liver stores excess glucose not needed immediately in your cells. Between carbohydrate-containing meals, or if your body signals that it needs an energy boost, your liver responds by releasing stored glucose back into your bloodstream. Here, insulin retrieves it for transports to your cells. Alcohol deters this complex process because your liver prioritizes the removal of alcohol from your body over releasing stored glucose when you are low on energy. The result is an extreme dip in blood glucose levels.
Alcohol Induced Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia occurs when you have persistent drops in blood glucose below normal levels. The condition can happen suddenly as a reaction to medications, especially if you have diabetes. Additionally, it can happen when you delay meals, if you engage in strenuous exercise without eating before a workout, and because of heavy alcohol consumption or drinking on an empty stomach. Alcohol induced hypoglycemia from excessive drinking can be serious and fatal.
Moderate Alcohol Consumption
Healthy adults who drink alcohol in moderation can prevent low blood glucose by eating a healthy meal before or during beverage consumption and by limiting drinks to no more than two a day. If you have diabetes or a related metabolic disorder, consult your physician before using alcohol. You might be able to drink in moderation if your blood glucose is under control. Moderate drinking is no more than two standard drinks per day. A standard drink equates to one 12-oz. beer, one 5-oz. glass of wine, or one 1.5-oz. shot of distilled liquor.
