What happens to your blood sugar when you drink alcohol? The answer may surprise you…

Every celebration today – be it a birthday, a promotion, or even a casual weekend outing – seems to come with a glass of some intoxicant in hand. Although it is well established that alcohol poses many health risks, many people still consume it, considering it their main means of socializing and relaxing with friends. But while you may know about its effects on your liver, sleep or weight, have you ever wondered how alcohol affects your blood sugar levels? For those who claim to consume only one or two drinks per occasion, the answer may really surprise you. Let’s find out what experts say about alcohol and its effect on your blood sugar levels.

Also read:7 ways to enhance the taste of wine

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Does alcohol cause your blood sugar to rise?

No, it is not so. Let’s understand the biology behind it. According to nutritionist Amita Gadre, when we consume alcohol, our body identifies it as a toxin or poison. This is why it starts metabolizing as soon as it enters your system. Basically, your body prioritizes processing alcohol over its other activities.

Why doesn’t blood sugar increase?

This is because your body needs glucose to metabolize alcohol. Therefore, you will not see a rise in your blood sugar but a decrease, because the glucose is being used to metabolize the alcohol. However, Gadre says if you consume cocktails or sugary mixers with alcohol, your blood sugar will spike due to the added sugars.

What amount of alcohol is safe for human consumption?

nobody. It doesn’t matter whether you take one drink or the entire bottle; No amount of alcohol is safe for your body. According to a 2023 report released by WHO and Lancet, alcohol is a major cause of various disorders like liver cirrhosis and other non-communicable diseases including cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, alcohol – whether consumed neat or in cocktails – can pose serious health risks. This means that any beverage containing alcohol, no matter the quantity, has negative effects on your health.

The WHO report also mentions that no studies show that even light or moderate drinking is harmless.

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What happens to your body when you stop drinking alcohol?

When you stop drinking alcohol only good things happen to your body.

1. May help in losing weight

Because alcohol and alcohol-based beverages are high in calories, they may prevent your body from burning fat. Additionally, they can make you feel hungry and crave greasy and salty foods. So, when you stop drinking alcohol, you can avoid excessive calories and focus on your weight loss journey.

2. Better sleep at night

Alcohol can disrupt your sleep patterns and rest quality. While this may help you fall asleep initially, dehydration and digestive problems can disrupt your sleep later on. Avoid consuming alcohol for a more consistent and better sleep cycle.

3. Enhances cognitive functions

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that affects your concentration and memory. According to consultant nutritionist Rupali Dutta, “Excessive alcohol consumption directly impacts your cognitive abilities. Once you stop drinking, they start improving. Disorders and depression also improve. It happens.” Therefore, when you stop drinking alcohol, you can expect better work performance and decision-making skills.

4. Improves skin quality

According to Dutta, alcohol affects your liver, which can worsen the quality of the skin. Alcohol dehydrates your body and causes bloating. When you stop drinking alcohol, your body maintains hydration levels, making skin smoother and more supple.

5. Better liver health

Since alcohol directly affects your liver, avoiding it improves the function of this organ. The liver helps detoxify and metabolize substances, but a large proportion of heavy drinkers develop serious liver diseases. Quitting alcohol can improve your liver health.

Also read: Should we eat before or after drinking alcohol? Hear it from the expert