Alcohol and Blood Sugar: The Effects of Alcohol

September 16, 2021

Harmony Place Team

The fact that alcohol is full of empty calories and has no nutritional value is not news to anyone. What a lot of people don’t think about, however, is that alcoholic beverages can also be full of sugar. In addition, alcohol can negatively affect blood sugar levels, which may put heavy drinkers at risk for alcohol-related diabetes.

How Does Alcohol Affect Blood Sugar Levels?

It’s not just the high sugar content of alcohol that can damage you; excessive drinking has been proven to have a negative effect on blood sugar, as well. When you drink alcohol, your body treats it as a toxin and puts all of its energy into getting rid of it. Since the liver is busy dealing with the alcohol you just drank and absorbing all of the sugar from the alcohol that it can, it has to stop managing your blood sugar levels.

As the liver inhibits the release of more sugar, your blood sugar levels drop and your body stops digesting and processing any food you’ve eaten. In fact, alcohol can affect your blood sugar for many hours.

Alcohol and Blood Sugar

A person’s general health and well-being play a substantial role in how their body responds to alcohol. Because consuming alcohol interferes with blood sugar, people who drink alcohol can wipe out their energy stores in a few hours. After a while, excessive alcohol use can lower the effectiveness of insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. Frequently, people with alcoholic liver disease also have glucose intolerance or diabetes.

Effects of Alcohol

The following are a few ways alcohol can affect blood sugar control and other bodily functions:

Wine and beer, which both typically have a high amount of sugar, contain carbohydrates and could raise blood sugar.
Alcohol triggers your appetite, which can cause you to overeat. This could then affect your blood sugar control.
Drinks that contain alcohol tend to have a lot of calories, making it harder to lose excess weight.
Alcohol can affect your judgment or self-control, which can cause you to make poor food choices.
It can interfere with the helpful effects of oral diabetes medications or insulin.
Alcohol can increase triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are the main elements of body fat in humans.
This substance may increase your blood pressure.
Alcohol may cause skin reddening, nausea, slurred speech, and increased heart rate.

What Is Blood Sugar?

Blood sugar, also called glucose, is the main sugar found in your bloodstream. Glucose comes from the food you eat and is the main source of your body’s energy. Between meals and while you sleep, your liver makes new glucose. This sugar is then sent into your blood.

Glucose is carried by your blood to all of your body’s cells to be used for energy. There, it helps to slow down or prevent a low blood sugar reaction. Drinking alcohol interrupts this process, including the production of glucose and hormones, such as insulin, that are necessary to regulate blood sugar. Diabetes is a disease in which your blood sugar levels are too high. Even if you don’t have diabetes, you may sometimes have problems with blood sugar that is too low or too high.

What’s Insulin Got to Do With It?

Insulin helps control your body’s blood sugar levels and metabolism. Over time, drinking too much alcohol decreases the effectiveness of insulin. This is mainly noticeable in heavy drinkers. High blood sugar prompts the release of insulin to help bring the levels back to normal; therefore, if insulin loses its effectiveness as a result of heavy drinking, it leads to high blood sugar levels.

Alcohol affects blood sugar levels every time it’s consumed, which means that even moderate drinkers can be affected negatively. Drinking creates an increase in the secretion of insulin, which then leads to low blood sugar. This can result in lightheadedness, fatigue, and a range of long-term alcohol-related health problems.

What is High Blood Sugar?

Because blood glucose supplies energy to all the cells in the body, it’s important to keep blood sugar levels within a safe range to lower the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Blood sugar levels that are consistently high are part of a condition called hyperglycemia.

Hyperglycemia usually develops when there is not enough insulin in the body or when the cells have become less sensitive to insulin. Glucose can’t enter cells without insulin, causing it to build up in the bloodstream.

Symptoms of Hyperglycemia

Common symptoms of hyperglycemia include dry mouth, frequent urination, and increased thirst. You might also experience:

Fatigue
Blurred vision
Headache
Nausea
Weakness
Lightheadedness

Continuous hyperglycemia can also cause insulin resistance, which decreases sensitivity to insulin and the amount of glucose that the cells can absorb. This can eventually lead to Type 2 diabetes.

Long-Term Effects of Persistent Hyperglycemia

Serious problems can develop as a result of continuous hyperglycemia, including:

Foot ulcers
Loss of vision
Erectile dysfunction
Kidney disease or kidney failure
Increased risk of a heart attack or stroke
Permanent nerve damage

Low Blood Sugar Levels

Hypoglycemia develops when your concentrations of blood sugar fall too low. People with diabetes have a higher risk of both high and low blood sugar.

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

Early symptoms of hypoglycemia include:

Tingling lips
Trembling
Pale face
Sweating
Increased heart rate
Anxiety

Some symptoms of hypoglycemia can look similar to those of excessive drinking or drunkenness. The most common ones include feeling dizzy, lightheaded, sleepy, or confused.

Other people may think your low blood sugar symptoms are due to consuming too much alcohol and may not realize that you need help. Make sure they know that your hypoglycemia signs look like being drunk. If you have diabetes, it’s important to carry or wear a medical ID.

Causes of Hypoglycemia

Causes of hypoglycemia include:

Anorexia
Diabetes
Certain medications
Taking too much insulin
Hepatitis and kidney disorders
Drinking alcohol without eating (this can stop the liver from releasing glycogen)

The Effects of Alcohol on Diabetes

If you have diabetes, you probably think that drinking alcohol is off-limits. However, that’s often not the case. If your blood sugar is controlled and you take the right precautions, you can drink alcohol in moderation. If you watch how much you drink and what types of drinks you consume, you can avoid alcohol-related risks like low blood sugar, weight gain, and high blood pressure.

Before reaching for your first drink, ask yourself these three questions suggested by the American Diabetes Association:

Is my diabetes well under control?
Does my health care team agree that I can drink alcohol?
Am I aware of how alcohol can affect me and my blood sugar?

If you can answer “yes” to all three questions, then alcohol may not have extremely adverse effects on your health. Still, it is important for you to be sure that you know the possible effects of drinking and that you know your limits. Excessive alcohol use can lead to alcoholism and a lifelong battle with alcohol abuse.

5 Tips for Safely Consuming Alcohol

People with diabetes who consume alcohol should follow these tips:

If your blood sugar is in good control, but limit drinks to one per day for women and two per day for men. For example, one alcoholic drink equals a 5-ounce glass of wine, a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor, or a 12-ounce beer. If you do not have good control of your blood sugar, don’t drink alcohol at all.
Choose lower-calorie light beers, dry wines, or drinks mixed with water, seltzer, tonic water, or diet soft drinks. Avoid sugary drinks mixed with fruit juice or blended cocktails.
If you drink regularly, tell your doctor or health care team. Also, tell them if there’s a change in your drinking habits.
Always eat a meal or snack when you drink to stave off low blood sugar. If you have a drink in the evening, test your glucose before going to bed. If it’s low, eat a snack.
The calories you get from a drink can replace a serving of fat. However, never substitute a drink for a meal.

These tips can be beneficial whether you have diabetes or not.

Is Alcohol Affecting Your Blood Sugar Levels, or Worse?

Alcohol can wreak havoc on your body. It can be even worse you are diabetic. If you or a loved one is having a problem with alcohol and blood sugar, you can get comprehensive, compassionate help at Harmony Place Rehab Center.

If you need a detox, we will help you get rid of the alcohol that’s poisoning your body. From there, we have several levels of care so you can transition directly into a program designed specifically for you. Our treatment programs include individual and group therapy to help you better understand alcohol use disorder.

Because the whole family is affected by addiction, we provide family therapy to help heal and educate your loved ones. Your physical and mental health are too important to allow this to wait. We’re here 24/7 to answer questions and help you on your road to recovery. Contact us today.

References:

https://medlineplus.gov/bloodsugar.html

Alcohol Addiction and Rehab Treatment Related Articles

Chris P

I've been to 12 rehabs over the last 20 years and NO other place has touch like Harmony Place! From the owner right down to the cleaning lady, everyone here is kinda and warm. God has blessed this place and I feel privileged to have come through here. I recommend anyone who is going through their struggle with mental health or substance abuse to pick up the phone and come! You won't regret it!

Joseph S

This place is incredible, kind, loving, patient, rigorous, educative, caring and the best place for recovery. Ill be part of the alumni crew

Monica G

I had very good experience at Harmony Place From first day I came, staff was very kind and make me feel welcome and safe. Everyone was friendly and always try to help me. The therapists are very good and caring. They listen to me and help me understand my problems better. I learn many things from them and feel stronger because of their support. The nurses also very nice and professional. They always check on me and make sure I am okay. Food was good and facilities were clean and comfortable. It help me feel more relaxed and focus on my recovery. Management also doing very good job. Everything was organized and you can see they really care about patients. I am very thankful for this place and all the people who work here. I recommend this center to anyone who needs help.

Denton

Awesome place great people u want to check this place out most definitely 😜

Tyler

A treatment center where the owners truly care about your recovery and after care.. cannot recommend enough

Jodana S

If you want to detox painlessly this is the place! The staff is A1. They truly care about us. The groups are awesome . Residential is crazy awesome! You live in a mansion. With a private chef who makes the best food. Community meeting that gets results fast, they care about your opinions. Pool and Jacuzzi are beautiful. If your struggling with addiction this is the house you should come to. I LOVE HARMONY PLACE!!!!! Thank you to all the staff they go above and beyond to make this experience comfortable therapeutic. Don't spend another day in your addiction come to Harmony Place right now!

Cass

I’ve been to 4 treatment centers before Harmony Place, and I can tell you without a single doubt that this is the absolute best by FAR. The past ones were luxury Residential Treatment centers that just treated every single client the same not tailoring to each individual, and were basically just in it for the money, dropping the ball each time. I can also tell you that I’ve never met the CEOs, but here, David comes to the facility almost every single day, and makes sure he get to know every individual here. He is incredibly kind, and was even willing to transfer me to another facility with a higher level of trauma therapy due to me having a lifetime of trauma and PTSD that just is going to take a long time to tackle. He truly cares about all of the clients having all of the tools that we need before getting released to the real world. No more of other CEO would ever be willing to miss an opportunity at making more money and even paired with my IMPECCABLE case manager to find a different facility that was more trauma based. My case manager, Sam, goes absolutely above and beyond in every single aspect. She makes sure you have a smooth transition into aftercare, provides out of this world advice when it comes to sobriety, and takes the time out of her day to make sure that FMLA and short-term disability are completely taken care of during your stay. I’ve never met a case manager that could ever compare to Sam. Ever. I feel lucky to have met her, genuinely. Marissa, my therapist, is SO SWEET, actually listens to you, and provides advice and therapy tailored to each individual’s experience. She’s handled every mood I’ve been in, never judged me, and allowed me to feel safe enough to tell her things I’ve never told any person or therapist in my 29 years of life. I’ve been going to therapy for the past 15 years, and none of those therapists even come close to how amazing she is. I’ve been to 4 other treatment centers in my life and none even come close to Harmony Place. The facility is clean, organized, and high-end. I would recommend Harmony place to my family, friends, and anyone seeking treatment. I feel SO BLESSED to have landed in their hands. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE IN THE CLINICAL STAFF BEYOND WORDS. I love you guys ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. I feel more confident than ever in my Recovery.

Gabe H

Where to begin.. Harmony is a place that will forever be a part of my story as the first step in my recovery journey. I’m so grateful for this program. The staff is very friendly, and many of them understand what addiction is like, for they themselves have recovery stories of their own. They have an awesome team of therapists, group facilitators, nurses, RA technicians, medical and health professionals, a wonderful case manager for aftercare that cares deeply for your next steps; making sure you are set up for success. They have a wonderful admissions team (shoutout to Marielle who was so kind and understanding of my messed up situation). Everyone is very relatable and friendly. They invest heavily in the importance of diet and nutrition too - there’s a full time professional chef. I gained all the weight I lost and wanted back in the first two weeks lol. On top of the intensive programming they do throughout the day, they take us out to experience various kinds of outside groups to get a taste of the real world, and also take us on social outings during the weekend. If you’re serious about getting better this place will meet you where you’re at and prepare you to launch with a renewed mind and heart.

Monica P

I can't begin to explain just how amazing Harmony Place is. In fact, when we sit down with the owner, Jeff, and clinical director, David, on Monday mornings to have a house meeting, they ask us what they could be doing better. A bigger blender for smoothies is the ONLY thing we could come up with. Let me begin by addressing some negative reviews. If you notice many of them are from people, or are referring to people who have been asked to leave. It is because of harmony places protection of their clients that provide ideal conditions for healing and progress. There is a screening process that it is implemented where they make sure the clients they admit are ready to start a life of sobriety. Some people slip through the cracks. Some people find out a few days or weeks in that they've changed their minds. Some are inappropriate and break rules. It happens. When Harmony Place ask people to leave, It's because they are protecting the people who are here that want treatment. In effect, they're providing exactly what I needed for a genuine start to recovery. When I began my search for a treatment center, my requirements were that the facility's provide an environment in which its residents all want to be there and that it is ethically ran. I got that and so much more at Harmony Place. As well as a structured routine, they also provide a confidential and nurturing environment where one feels safe and where profound healing can begin. Their program offers a sound foundation where further progress in sober living is almost guaranteed. In group meetings, we enjoy getting to know ourselves again and with deeper understanding about why we are the way we are. We are provided with skills to handle real life. Its here that I've come to understand that its not addiction that has driven me to make a mess of my life. It is the trauma that I endured and not processing it correctly that lead to poor thinking patterns that opened the door to addiction resulting in poor life management. So we start at the bottom. Trauma. They help us understand that trauma has led to our own toxicity, what that trauma looks like and how to get out of our own way. Process groups help us learn how to take accountability and foster healthier relationships. I learned here that changing the way I think is absolutely possible and imperative to the healing process. Harmony Place offered me hope when I previously felt I was unfixable and a support team that truly loves me. Even after I leave here, I have contacts that almost demand I keep in touch and an alumni meeting where I can return to the facility on Thursday nights. I wasn't a 12 stepper when I came here but my first experience with it was not one where I was ready to stop using. I understand now that the steps will work for me. It's certainly is not the only modality that they teach. In one group, we are provided an opportunity to sit with a recently retired medical doctor to just ask questions. Another is with a nutritionist. There are a handful of people IN recovery that come to lead groups that are all accredited highly specialized where I felt understood and not judged. The knowledge I have gained here is life changing. It is also versatile and relatable for all types of people. my favorite group was dialectical behavioral therapy. There are breathing classes and sound bath groups and I started doing yoga in the morning. There's a dharma meeting they take you offsite that focuses on Buddhist values. A fantastic onsight chef provides three meals and you can have special requests. We facilitated our own Movie nights during free time. I cant forget to mention you get your own one on one meetings with your assigned primary therapist and there is comprehensive medical support complete with 24/7 nurses and a doctor that shows up throughout the week. If this is what you need to recover and you have mediCAL, cancel your mediCAL and get insurance Harmony Place accepts if you can. There are people to help you with that as well. Just call. Many, many thanks to the staff. ✔️Another life changed.🙏

Cody B

This is such an amazing place truly changed my life. I would recommend this place to anybody if they’re looking for a strong recovery house that truly cares about your recovery and not about just money So if you’re ready to change your life, don’t miss out on the greatness of harmony because this place is where it’s at

Verified by Trustindex

Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more