I am 43 years old and have had diabetes (Type2) for the past five years. I drink 180 ml of alcohol, mainly whisky, every day. What are the long term consequences of drinking alcohol and suffering from diabetes?
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There is a half-truth amongst people that wine and alcohol are good for health to some extent. But, this does not work for patients with diabetes. Alcohol has both short term and long term complications in diabetes. Short term complication is diabetes. Long term complications involve Atherosclerosis (plaque in arteries).
In Type 2 diabetes, there is already insulin resistance. Consuming alcohol will cause a preferential breakdown. Alcohol will not allow other carbohydrates to be broken. Therefore, less glucose will be available in the body. This can create a possibility of developing Hypoglycemia (low sugar episode). Hence, it is recommended to avoid alcohol in diabetes.
Diabetes and alcohol both are involved in promoting Atherosclerosis. In this process, the blood vessels get narrowed from inside. Thus blood flow to the major organs decreases. The brain is usually involved. A person may end up developing a stroke based on the amount of alcohol they consume. The heart can also be affected. Changing your habits is always helpful.
Read more about health impact of alcohol.