The Hazards of Long-Term Alcohol Consumption in Diabetes
Feb 15, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Bin
Introduction
Harm of Long-Term Alcohol Consumption in Diabetes: Patients with diabetes must abstain from alcohol. Chronic alcohol consumption can easily lead to elevated blood glucose levels and poor glycemic control, thereby increasing the risk of related complications. For instance, it may exacerbate cardiovascular atherosclerotic diseases—including coronary artery atherosclerosis—and promote the development of hypertension. Hypertension, in turn, can precipitate cerebrovascular disorders such as cerebral thrombosis; in severe cases, it may even result in intracerebral hemorrhage.
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia results from defects in insulin secretion, impaired insulin action, or both. Prolonged hyperglycemia leads to chronic damage and dysfunction of various tissues—particularly the eyes, kidneys, heart, blood vessels, and nerves. So, what are the risks associated with long-term alcohol consumption in individuals with diabetes? Let’s explore them below.
Risks of Long-Term Alcohol Consumption in People with Diabetes
People with diabetes should strictly avoid alcohol consumption. Chronic alcohol intake in diabetic patients may elevate blood glucose levels and impair glycemic control, thereby increasing the risk of complications—including accelerated progression of cardiovascular disease, coronary artery atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Hypertension, in turn, predisposes individuals to cerebrovascular diseases such as cerebral thrombosis and cerebral infarction; in severe cases, intracerebral hemorrhage may occur.
Long-term alcohol use in diabetic patients may also trigger or exacerbate peripheral neuropathy, leading to serious complications such as diabetic foot, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic nephropathy.
Frequent fasting-state alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of hypoglycemia—even in healthy individuals, chronic heavy drinking can cause hepatic injury, including alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Moreover, alcohol consumption may lead to alcohol dependence or addiction.
Regular alcohol intake in diabetic patients may also impair nutrient absorption, resulting in nutritional deficiencies and consequent health deterioration.
Chronic heavy alcohol consumption further disrupts intestinal absorption of nutrients, reducing uptake of essential nutrients and vitamins.
In addition to abstaining from alcohol, individuals with diabetes must also avoid conditions such as fasting, infections, and missed medication doses—all of which may interrupt treatment and hinder disease recovery. Dietary management is crucial: patients are generally advised to consume abundant fresh vegetables and fruits while avoiding high-calorie, high-fat foods and strictly controlling total caloric intake.Excessively greasy foods—such as organ meats (e.g., liver, intestines)—should be avoided, as they are generally unsuitable for people with diabetes.
