What You Should Know About Alcohol And Hypoglycemia

Alcohol can be a huge contributor to hypoglycemia. Alcohol and low blood sugar inhibit the body in tandem. It behaves just like processed carbs after you ingest them. They convert to simple sugars and then your body has to counteract with insulin. Insulin lasts longer in your body than the sugar does so you then have a low blood sugar incidence.

The normal range for blood sugar is between 70mg/dl and 110mg/dl. If you fall below 70mg/dl then you have low blood sugar. Don’t be scared if it happens once or twice as it is possible based on what you eat but be concerned if it occurs everyday for an extended period.

See a doctor if symptoms persists. He might have you keep a food journal to know your trouble spots. He might also ask about your alcohol consumption and hypoglycemia incidences.

Slight hypoglycemia may cause nausea, chills, nervousness, clammy skin, sweating, hunger, rapid heart rate, irritability, anxiousness, confusion, unsteadiness, blurry vision, and trouble walking. Whiles severe hypoglycemia may cause loss of consciousness, seizures, coma, and accidental death.

Based on these symptoms and the severity, you can be sure that hypoglycemia should be taken very seriously. Alcohol might make you sugar high for a while but if you drink heavily without eating then you are at risk of a low blood sugar.  To live a normal life without hypoglycemia, alcohol has to be stopped.

If you have to drink, make sure to eat healthy (food low in carbs, high in protein, no fried foods). The protein will help maintain good blood sugar levels.

Metamora, Illinois, United States — Close up of man rubbing temples and head — Image by © Stewart Cohen/VStock/Blend Images/Corbis

As a diabetic patient, you are taking anti-diabetic agents as your medication or have to inject insulin every day then alcohol should be stopped. Some medications cannot be taken alongside alcohol. If you drink, inform your doctor, you might be allowed to have the occasional glass of wine or beer.

Another way to combat the effects of alcohol and hypoglycemia is staying hydrated.  Alternating the alcoholic drinks with glasses of water will help you get rid of the alcohol sooner and also reduce how much you drink.