Excessive alcohol use can increase someone’s risk of developing diabetes and may have harmful effects on an already diagnosed individual. An individual with diabetes can establish safe drinking limits and habits to reduce risk; however, it can be difficult for someone who suffers from alcoholism to engage in these habits. If you presume that you or someone you love is experiencing alcoholism, it is essential to seek help right away.
Diabetes develops when the affected individual’s pancreas can no longer produce insulin or when their body can no longer effectively utilize its insulin. (1) Diabetes is a chronic health condition that impacts the body’s ability to turn food into energy. (2)
Most foods, and all carbohydrates, are broken down into sugar, or glucose, which releases into the bloodstream. When the blood sugar in the body increases, the pancreas is signaled to release insulin. (2) Insulin is a hormone that allows glucose to pass from the bloodstream into the body’s cells to produce energy for the body to use. (1)
When the body cannot produce insulin or use it effectively, the glucose levels in the blood rise to an abnormal level. This heightened level of glucose in the bloodstream is known as hyperglycemia. (1) Over time, high glucose levels can create serious health issues, including heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease. (2)
While there is currently no cure for diabetes, practices such as losing weight, eating healthy foods, and maintaining an active lifestyle can benefit an individual with diabetes. Additionally, taking medication, receiving education and support regarding diabetes self-management, and attending regular healthcare appointments can also reduce the impacts of diabetes. (2)
There are three main types of diabetes, including type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. (2) An individual may also develop prediabetes before becoming diabetic.
Type 1 diabetes is usually developed in children and adolescents but can occur at any age. (1) This type of diabetes accounts for 5-10% of diabetes cases, and the symptoms typically occur very quickly. (2)
Type 1 diabetes is most likely caused by an autoimmune reaction in which the body attacks itself by mistake and stops the body from producing insulin. (2) Type 1 diabetes is characterized by very little or no insulin production in the body. (1)
People who are diagnosed with this type of diabetes need to take insulin injections daily to survive. There is presently no known prevention of type 1 diabetes. (2)
Type 2 diabetes is usually developed over many years and diagnosed in adulthood. (1) However, an increasing number of children, teens, and young adults are experiencing type 2 diabetes diagnoses. Approximately 90-95% of individuals with diabetes have this type, and the symptoms may sometimes go unnoticed. (2)
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by the body’s inability to effectively use the insulin that it produces and maintain normal blood sugar levels. (2) Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular physical activity and healthy eating habits, can prevent or delay the development and symptoms of this type of diabetes. However, most individuals with type 2 diabetes will eventually require oral drugs or insulin to regulate glucose levels in the bloodstream. (1)
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy in women who have never had a previous diagnosis of diabetes. (2) This type of diabetes is characterized by high blood glucose during pregnancy and can create complications for the mother and her child. (1)
Gestational diabetes typically goes away after the baby is born but increases the mother’s and child’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. (1) The child is also more likely to experience obesity as a child or teen. (2)
Over 1 out of 3, or 88 million, United States adults have prediabetes, and over 84% of these individuals are unaware that they have it. Prediabetes is characterized by heightened blood sugar levels that are not yet high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. (2)
Prediabetes can increase an individual’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Fortunately, making and maintaining healthy lifestyle changes can ultimately reverse prediabetes. (2)
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes share some early signs and symptoms, including: (3)
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes include: (3)
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes usually show up after glucose in the body has been high for a long time. These symptoms include: (3)
There are typically no symptoms of high blood sugar during pregnancy. A woman with gestational diabetes may experience an increase in thirst or more frequent urination. (3)
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy in women who have never had a previous diagnosis of diabetes. (2) This type of diabetes is characterized by high blood glucose during pregnancy and can create complications for the mother and her child. (1)
Gestational diabetes typically goes away after the baby is born but increases the mother’s and child’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. (1) The child is also more likely to experience obesity as a child or teen. (2)
The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is not known. However, it is known that the immune system, which, when functioning normally, fights harmful bacteria and viruses, attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin in type 1 diabetes. Little or no insulin levels in the body causes sugar to build up in the bloodstream rather than transporting to the cells. (4)
Type 1 diabetes may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Exactly what these factors are is unclear; however, weight is not believed to be a cause of type 1 diabetes. (4)
Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are characteristic of the cells’ resistance to the action of insulin and the pancreas’ inability to make enough insulin to overcome this, causing sugar to build up in the bloodstream. Prediabetes can eventually lead to type 2 diabetes. (4)
The exact cause of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes is uncertain. Like type 1 diabetes they are likely caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Weight is strongly linked to the development of type 2 diabetes; however, not everyone with type 2 diabetes is overweight. (4)
When a woman is pregnant, her placenta produces hormones that will sustain her pregnancy. These hormones also make the woman’s cells more resistant to insulin. In most cases, her pancreas will produce enough extra insulin to overcome the resistance. Unfortunately, in some cases, her pancreas is unable to do so. This inability to create enough insulin causes an increase in sugar in the bloodstream, leading to gestational diabetes. (4)
Even though the exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, some factors may be present in an individual that can place them at an increased risk. These include: (4)
While the exact cause of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes is unknown, specific factors may increase risk. These factors include: (4)
Some women are at greater risk of developing gestational diabetes than others. Risk factors include: (4)
In addition to the risk factors mentioned above, alcohol use can also increase an individual’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes. While studies show that drinking in moderation can lower the risk of developing diabetes, drinking alcohol in excess can increase someone’s likelihood. (5)
Moderate drinking refers to one drink a day for women of all ages and men over 65 and two drinks a day for men younger than 65. Drinking this amount can be beneficial. However, drinking an excessive amount of alcohol can cause chronic inflammation of the pancreas, which impacts its ability to secrete insulin and can eventually lead to diabetes. (5)
Additionally, it is difficult for the liver to engage in multiple functions at once. When alcohol is consumed, the liver chooses to metabolize the alcohol instead of maintaining blood sugar, leading to hypoglycemia, and ultimately diabetes. (6)
Heavy alcohol consumption is not only a risk factor for developing diabetes. It can also be detrimental to someone who already has diabetes. Drinking alcohol can cause blood sugar to rise or fall and is loaded with calories. (7)
Excessive alcohol use can also affect diabetes by:
Individuals who have diabetes or prediabetes, and drink alcohol, should engage in the following practices: (7)
Signs and symptoms of alcoholism may include: (9)
If you or a loved one are struggling with alcoholism and need help there are many addiction treatment centers available to treat patients who have comorbidity with Alcohol Use Disorder and Diabetes. Please feel free to reach out to one of our addiction specialists for more information on finding the right treatment prorgam.
What is diabetes? (2020). International Diabetes Federation. https://www.idf.org/aboutdiabetes/what-is-diabetes.html
What is Diabetes? (2021, November 16). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/diabetes.html
Early Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes. (2003, February 14). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/understanding-diabetes-symptoms
Diabetes – Symptoms and causes. (2020, October 30). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371444
Diabetes: Does alcohol and tobacco use increase my risk? (2020, July 11). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/expert-answers/diabetes/faq-20058540
Medication & Treatments Alcohol & Diabetes. (2020). American Diabetes Association. https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/medication-treatments/alcohol-diabetes
Ambardekar, MD, N. (2001, October 25). Diabetes and Alcohol. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/drinking-alcohol
Emanuele, N. (1998). Consequences of Alcohol Use in Diabetics. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6761899/
Alcohol use disorder – Symptoms and causes. (2018b, July 11). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20369243
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