Alcohol use is a risk factor for a wide range of medical and mental health problems. Does this include one of the most common chronic diseases in the U.S.? Can alcohol cause diabetes, or worsen the symptoms of people who already have it?
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, Live Oaks Wellness is here to help. Call us today or verify your insurance to learn more about our personalized treatment options and start your journey toward recovery.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus, which is commonly referred to simply as diabetes, is a category of medical conditions that disrupt the body’s ability to break down food and convert it to energy in the form of glucose. The three most common types of diabetes are:
- Type 1 diabetes: Formerly referred to as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, this type is an inherited lifelong disorder. It is characterized by the inability of the pancreas to create insulin, which is essential for transporting glucose from the bloodstream into individual cells. People with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin on a regular basis.
- Type 2 diabetes: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 90%-95% of people who have diabetes have this type. It usually develops in adults ages 45 and above, though it can occur at any age. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by an inability of cells to accept glucose that is delivered by insulin.
Gestational diabetes: This type occurs only during pregnancy, and is also characterized by insulin resistance. It typically subsides once the individual has given birth, though it can increase a person’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The CDC estimates that 5%-9% of all pregnancies involve gestational diabetes.
Can Alcohol Cause Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes has a genetic basis, and experts believe it is the result of dysfunctional autoimmune activity. Gestational diabetes is related to hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy. This means that the question, “Can alcohol cause diabetes?” can only refer to Type 2 diabetes.
So, can alcohol cause Type 2 diabetes?
As with many other health concerns, Type 2 diabetes doesn’t have a single cause. Instead, various factors can increase or decrease the likelihood for developing this condition. Excessive alcohol use is one of the factors that can raise a person’s risk.
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), moderate alcohol use does not appear to be a risk factor for diabetes. The ADA defines moderate use as no more than one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men.
However, a study from the Cardiovascular Laboratory of Heath at the University of Texas at Arlington determined that heavy drinking can contribute to the development of Type 2 diabetes, especially among older adults.
The team that conducted this study defined heavy drinking among men as five or more drinks per day or 15 or more drinks per week. For women, four or more drinks per day or eight or more drinks per week qualified as heavy drinking.
The UT researchers found that heavy drinkers had higher fasting glucose levels in their blood, which they attributed in part to alcohol-related damage to the pancreas, liver, and possibly other organs.
Excessive alcohol use is also associated with sedentary lifestyles, overweight and obesity, and high blood pressure – all of which are risk factors for Type 2 diabetes.
Should I Quit Drinking if I Have Diabetes?
If you only drink occasionally, and always in moderation, you should consult with your doctor to determine if this behavior will have a negative impact on your health.
Moderate, infrequent alcohol use isn’t typically linked to the types of organ damage that can lead to or exacerbate Type 2 diabetes. But alcohol can interfere with some medications that are used to treat this disorder. Also, drinking even a small amount of alcohol on an empty stomach can be particularly problematic for people who have Type 2 diabetes.
If you frequently exceed the recommended limits for daily and weekly alcohol consumption, continuing to do so can worsen your Type 2 diabetes and put you in danger of many other health problems. In this case, you should either quit drinking completely or significantly reduce your alcohol intake. To better understand the effects of alcohol and conditions like alcohol shakes, check out our detailed guide on What Are Alcohol Shakes?.
Complicating this matter is the fact that many people who drink heavily have developed an addiction to alcohol. This disease can rob them of the ability to control how much they drink once they’ve started. It can also prevent them from ending their alcohol use for good.
The good news is that alcoholism is treatable. But first, you need to recognize that you have a problem.
How Can I Tell if I’m Addicted to Alcohol?
The best way to know if you have alcohol use disorder (alcoholism) is to be evaluated by your doctor or another qualified professional. If you’re not sure if you should schedule an evaluation, here are 10 questions that can help you decide:
- Do you spent a significant amount of time drinking and recovering from the effects of alcohol?
- Do you frequently drink more (or for a longer period of time) than you intended?
- Have you failed to meet personal or professional obligations because of your alcohol use?
- Do you use alcohol in especially hazardous ways, such as when driving or in combination with other substances?
- Have you continued to drink even after incurring some type of harm as a result of prior alcohol use?
- Do you have to drink more than you used to in order to feel the effects of alcohol?
- Have you reduced or ended your participation in hobbies, sports, or other activities because of your alcohol use?
- Have you felt the need to lie to friends and family about how much or how often you drink?
- When you stop drinking for a few days, do you begin to develop physical and/or psychological withdrawal symptoms?
- Do you want to stop drinking, but have been unable to do so?
No online questionnaire is a substitute for a professional assessment and diagnosis. If you answered “yes” to any or all of the questions above, it might be time to make an appointment for an assessment.
Learn More About Alcoholism Treatment Near San Francisco
Live Oaks Wellness is a trusted source of life-changing treatment for adults who have become addicted to alcohol and other drugs.
At our alcohol rehab near San Francisco, your options include detox, residential treatment, and outpatient care. Our team will work with you to identify the full scope of your needs and determine which of these programming options are best for you. Then, we’ll develop an individualized plan that includes the therapies and support services that are most appropriate for you.
Untreated alcoholism can be devastating. But when you choose Live Oaks Wellness, you can find your path to a healthier and more hopeful future in recovery.
To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.
