Signals Sent by Falling Asleep After Drinking: The Dangers of Alcohol Hypoglycemia.

Sometimes, while enjoying a good time at a drinking session, sudden drowsiness may creep in. It's easy to dismiss such drowsiness simply as a hangover, but unexpectedly, it could be a signal of alcohol hypoglycemia. Alcohol hypoglycemia occurs when drinking on an empty stomach or consuming high-carbohydrate foods along with alcohol, indicating the importance of maintaining high blood sugar levels when drinking.

 

Mechanism of Alcohol Hypoglycemia

When alcohol is consumed, glucose production is inhibited in the liver, causing a decrease in blood sugar levels. Especially when drinking on an empty stomach, hypoglycemia is more likely to occur. Moreover, if liver function is poor or excessive alcohol is consumed, symptoms of hypoglycemia worsen. Additionally, when carbohydrates and alcohol are consumed together, alcohol is prioritized as an energy source, causing blood sugar levels to rise and fall rapidly. This phenomenon can lead to excessive secretion of insulin, leading to a hypoglycemic state.

 

Alcohol hypoglycemia is one of the side effects of drinking that we may experience.

 

Symptoms of Alcohol Hypoglycemia

Alcohol hypoglycemia doesn't only occur immediately after drinking. If fatigue and drowsiness persist until the next morning, one should consider the possibility of alcohol hypoglycemia. In such situations, weakness throughout the body, headache, cold sweats, and trembling may occur. In severe cases, the face may become pale, dizziness may occur, and in extreme cases, fainting may occur. Losing consciousness due to hypoglycemia can result in permanent brain damage, requiring particular attention.

 

Prevention and Management of Alcohol Hypoglycemia

The best prevention method is to avoid drinking alcohol altogether. However, if avoiding drinking sessions is unavoidable, it's advisable to choose low-carbohydrate and high-protein foods such as grilled fish, tofu, and nuts as snacks. Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach should be avoided, and when hypoglycemic symptoms occur, consuming candies or juice high in sugar to raise blood sugar levels is recommended.

 

Seriousness of Alcohol Hypoglycemia

If hypoglycemic symptoms occur unexpectedly while drinking, proper management is necessary without underestimating them. Particularly for diabetic patients, hypoglycemic symptoms may be early signs of diabetes and require caution. Moreover, medical consultation is necessary as it can lead to serious conditions such as liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and insulinomas.

 

Alcohol hypoglycemia is one of the side effects of drinking that we may experience. Therefore, it's important to be aware of it and prevent it by having appropriate meals when drinking and maintaining blood sugar levels by consuming suitable foods. Additionally, prompt and proactive management is necessary when hypoglycemic symptoms occur to maintain health.