What do alcohol and hypoglycemia have to do with one another? Well, alcohol can be a huge contributer to hypoglycemia. Alcohol behaves just like those 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 then the sugar does so you then have a low blood sugar incidence.
The numbers and range for normal blood sugar are from 70mg/dl to 110mg/dl. If you fall below 70mg/dl then you can be considered to have low blood sugar. Don't be too concerned if it only happens once or twice because anyone can have a low blood sugar incidence at any time based on what they have decided to eat. Do be concerned if it happens everyday for an extended period.
If you experience low blood sugar everyday for an extended period then go see your doctor and let him know. He will probably have you start to keep a food journal so he can see where your trouble spots are. He will also want to know about your consumption of alcohol and hypoglycemia incidences that may or may not follow your drinking.
Symptoms vary and you may not experience all of them all at the same time. Mild to moderate hypoglycemia can cause nausea, nervousness, chills, clammy skin, sweating, hunger, rapid heart rate, irritability, anxiousness, confusion, blurry vision, unsteadiness, and have trouble walking. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to loss of consciousness, seizures, coma, and even death.
Based on these symptoms and the severity, you can be sure that hypoglycemia is not a laughing matter and should be taken very seriously. Alcohol may give you what is referred to as a sugar high for a little while but if you drink heavily and would rather not eat food then you will have low blood sugar at some point. Even days later. I know that when you have an addiction or even just a bad habit, it can be hard to break. But, if you want to have a normal life and not have to worry about hypoglycemia then just quit drinking. If you need help to quit then go find it, there are places that can help you.
If you have to drink then make sure to eat some food that is low in carbs and high in protein. The protein will help maintain good blood sugar levels. Stay away from fried foods, they are very high in carbs. A high carb meal will only make things worse for you in the long run.
If you are already diabetic and are taking antidiabetic agents as your medication or have to inject insulin every day then alcohol is not your friend. Your doctor should know if you are drinking. Some medications cannot be taken if you are consuming alcohol. If you drink tell your doctor, he may allow you to have the occasional glass of wine or beer. You won't know if you don't ask.
Another way to combat the effects of alcohol and hypoglycemia is to alternate the alcoholic drinks you have with glasses of water. Staying hydrated will help your body get rid of the alcohol sooner and you probably will not drink as much so you will be less likely to have an incidence of low blood sugar.
