Does 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 ultimately be converted in the liver into the oxidative product ethyl acetate. Since the metabolism of alcohol generates some heat, 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 increase in blood starch levels, ultimately leading to elevated blood glucose. Furthermore, drinking white liquor can disrupt the regulation of blood glucose. Alcohol induces insulin resistance, impairing insulin's function and thereby causing blood glucose levels to rise. Therefore, alcohol consumption suppresses insulin activity, resulting in increased blood sugar.

In summary, consuming white liquor when blood glucose is already high will further elevate blood sugar levels, as the water, alcohol, and starch in white liquor all affect blood glucose. Additionally, drinking white liquor impairs the body’s ability to regulate blood glucose, contributing to higher blood sugar levels. Note that if blood glucose remains uncontrolled for prolonged periods, it is essential to seek timely medical evaluation and adopt appropriate treatment methods.