Will drinking baijiu (Chinese white liquor) raise blood sugar levels in patients with high blood glucose?

White liquor is an alcoholic beverage whose main components are water and alcohol, followed by starch, amino acids, flavorings, pigments, and certain vitamins. Like any other alcoholic drink, white liquor may also raise blood glucose levels. The detailed analysis is as follows:

The molecular structure of alcohol is simple and can be easily metabolized by the human liver. The liver converts alcohol into acetaldehyde, which is further transformed into acetic acid. Through a complex metabolic process, acetic acid can eventually be converted in the liver into an oxidative product—ethyl acetate. Since the metabolism of alcohol generates some calories, it can increase blood glucose levels. The starch present in white liquor also affects blood glucose levels. Starch is a digestible carbohydrate that breaks down into glucose during digestion, and glucose can elevate blood sugar. Excessive consumption of white liquor can cause a sharp rise in starch-derived glucose in the bloodstream, ultimately leading to increased blood glucose levels. Moreover, drinking white liquor can disrupt the regulation of blood glucose. Alcohol induces insulin resistance, impairing insulin's effectiveness and thereby causing blood glucose levels to rise. Therefore, alcohol consumption suppresses insulin function, resulting in elevated blood sugar.

In summary, consuming white liquor raises blood glucose levels because water, alcohol, and starch in the liquor all influence blood sugar. Additionally, drinking white liquor interferes with the body’s regulation of blood glucose, further contributing to elevated levels. Note that if blood glucose remains uncontrolled over a prolonged period, it is essential to seek timely medical evaluation and adopt appropriate treatment methods.