Diabetic Blackout Alcohol

Call Me Blackout Billy - The Alcohol Experiment

Call me Blackout Billy - The alcohol experiment It was a beautiful day so I decided to ride my motorcycle to Sauble Bay, catch a few rays, have a couple of cold ones and dance naked around the fire. First and foremost I always take a 2 hour hike. I have become addicted to the cardio. So what's the first thing you do when you get back to the cottage? You make a drink and start a fire. The first drink goes fast so you make another. When you are on vacation you don't measure your drinks using shot glasses. You put some ice cubes in a tall glass and pour whiskey into it. Glug, glug glug and top it off with some diet soda pop. I heard that my body absorbs liquids at twice the rate because of all the cardio I do. That with the glug glug glug and the fact that I am a diabetic seems to be a problem. Before the fire became hot enough for the sausages I was told I blacked out and hit the deck like a sack of potatoes. The guys were upset that they didn't capture that on camera. They wanted to put that on youtube. I don't remember a thing. Woke up in the bathtub. Still don't remember a thing. I'm thinking the alcohol brought me down to an unacceptable level of BG. It was a beautiful day so I decided to ride my motorcycle to Sauble Bay, catch a few rays, have a couple of cold ones and dance naked around the fire. First and foremost I always take a 2 hour hike. I have become addicted to the cardio. So what's the first thing you do when you get back to the cottage? You make a drink and start a fire. The first drink goes fast so you make another. When you are on vacation you don't measure your drinks using shot glasses. You put some ice cubes in a tall glass and pour whiskey into it. Glug, glug glug and top it off with some diet soda pop. I heard that my body absorbs liquids at twice Continue reading >>

Is It Very Severe To Have A Blackout For Hours | Diabetic Connect

You say he doesn't remember leaving the bar. I don't mean to insinuate anything here but was he drinking? Diabetes and alcohol aren't always good friends. The liver is trying so hard to rid itself of the alcohol that it doesn't send out glucose to stabilize the blood sugar thus causing a low which could lead to the black outs you describe. I knew a woman years ago that refused to give up drinking and ended up in a rescue squad every weekend because of it. If he's drinking heavily or even moderately this could be the cause of his black outs. Just a thought as this jogged my memory of the woman I knew years ago. Continue reading >>

Alcohol Can Cause Hypoglycaemia: Nine Signs You Could Have Dangerous Low Blood Sugar

A common cause of hypoglycaemia is taking too much insulin which is a medication which helps control blood sugar levels. Insulin is commonly prescribed to treat type 1 diabetes and is also recommended for some people with type 2 diabetes. Hypoglycaemia is rare in people who don’t have diabetes but it can be caused - in rare cases - by people with Addison’s disease, fasting or malnutrition, binge drinking or heavy drinking of alcohol or certain medication. A fall in blood glucose levels can also occur after taking too much oral hypoglycaemia medication, which causes a release of insulin. This medication is often used to lower blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Experiencing hypoglycaemia can be dangerous because people can lose consciousness and even fall into a coma. The symptoms of hypoglycaemia usually begin when blood glucose levels drop below four millimoles (mmol) per litre. Typical early warning signs are feeling hungry, trembling or shakiness, and sweating. In more severe cases some people also feel confused. People with diabetes - particularly those who treat the condition with insulin - are often advised to use a small device called a blood glucose meter to regularly check your blood glucose levels. However, symptoms can vary from person to person, and experts warn it is important to be aware of the early warning signs so they can be treated. NHS Choices said: “People should be careful when drinking alcohol as it can also cause hypoglycaemia, sometimes many hours after drinking.” Diabetes.co.uk said: “When we drink alcohol, the alcohol can inhibit the liver’s ability to release glucose into the blood. “This can be particularly significant for people on stronger medication such as insulin because it can mean that the liver is not a Continue reading >>

Alcohol: Here's Who's Most Likely To Black Out While Drinking | Time

Here's Who's Most Likely To Black Out While Drinking Here's Who's Most Likely To Black Out While Drinking Blacking out, or getting so drunk that you cant remember anything that happened the night before, is all too common among underage drinkers, according to a new study published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research. In the study, Marc Schuckit, professor of psychiatry at the University of California San Diego, and his colleagues looked at data on 1,402 drinking teenagers in England when they were 15, 16, 18 and 19. They discovered that by the time the teens reached 19, 90% of them had drank so much they experienced a blackout. About half of them had blacked out multiple times. More than half of people reported having a blackout at every year of follow-up. Teens who blacked out while drinking tended to be femalelikely because they weigh less and have less body water to dilute the alcoholto smoke, have sensation-seeking and impulsive behaviors, lack conscientiousness and have friends who also drank or used other substances. Its not as if a blackout in these kids was an isolated phenomenon, says Schuckit. Blackouts are unfortunately often considered to be a funny thing as opposed to dangerous. I am not sure the average person realizes the dangers associated with blackouts. A blackout can occur when someone drinks well over their limit. Alcohol is considered a depressant, and when the dose is high enough, depressants are known to impair memory acquisition. When someone blacks out, it means that while they appear to be awake, alert and intoxicated, their brain is actually not making long-term memories of whats happening. If a person experiencing a blackout is asked what happened to them just 10 minutes ago, they will have no idea. There are very few Continue reading >>

Alcohol Blackout Syndrome

An alcohol blackout — also known as alcohol-induced amnesia — is when a person’s memory is impaired due to alcohol intake or or alcohol addiction. Alcohol blackouts are not the same as passing out or fainting. They are more like a temporary form of amnesia that makes a person forget events immediately following alcohol intake. “alcohol blackout is when a person’s memory is impaired due to alcohol intake or or alcohol addiction.” Statistics provided by Alcoholics Anonymous appear to suggest that blackouts are an indication of alcoholism, although this theory is not backed by any specific scientific studies. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), victims of alcohol blackouts are most likely to be young adults and binge drinkers. Blackouts mean that individuals are more susceptible to engaging in high-risk behaviors that they may not even recall after the alcohol has worn off. If you believe you have a problem with alcohol, please feel free to call our confidential helpline at 1-888-287-0471 Who Answers? . In certain circumstances, large amounts of alcohol can actually prevent a person’s brain from forming any kind of short-term memory. This means individuals are unlikely to ever recall what happened during the period of blacking out. Causes of Blackouts The risk of an individual experiencing a blackout increases once alcohol levels pass a certain point. Although the actual amount of alcohol will vary between individuals, it is most likely to happen when a person’s alcohol level reaches .15. This is extremely high when compared to the legal driving limit of .08. Despite this, some individuals may not feel the effects of alcohol at this level. Drinking quickly also increases a person’s chances of experiencing an alcoho Continue reading >>

Diabetes And Alcohol Blackouts

Is Alcohol Off-Limits? There are plenty of reasons to avoid drinking alcohol, starting with the obvious: inebriation and addiction. But assuming youre a responsible drinker is there room for alcohol in your diet if you have diabetes? Most experts agree that the answer is a qualified yes. Alcohol may even have some benefits in terms of preventing cardiovascular problems associated with diabetes. A Harvard study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in early 2002 found that women who have a few alcoholic drinks over the course of a week stand an almost 15 percent lower chance of developing high blood pressure than nondrinking women. Other studies in both men and women have shown that alcohol raises HDL (good) cholesterol and thins the blood slightly, protecting against the formation of clots that can cause a heart attack or stroke. There are a number of caveats. In the recent Harvard study, women who had more than about 1 drinks a day had a 30 percent higher risk of elevated blood pressure than non-drinkers did. Furthermore, alcohol impacts people with diabetes more significantly than non-diabetics. The main threat is hypoglycemia. Alcohol is processed in the liver which also stores and releases glucose. Result: Wine, beer and spirits hinder the livers ability to release glucose, which can lead to hypoglycemia as much as a day after you drink. Moreover, symptoms of hypoglycemia mimic those of inebriation, making the danger harder to spot. Another consideration is that alcoholic drinks have seven calories per gramalmost as much as fatbut provide no nutrition, making them a poor choice if youre trying to lose weight. And if youre taking medication, alcohol may be out of the question. Should you drink? Talk it over with your doctor or dietitian. If you get the okay Continue reading >>

Diabetes And Alcohol

Tweet There is no need for people with diabetes to give up alcohol simply because of their diabetes. Although alcohol does have an effect on blood sugar levels, with a few precautions and careful management, people with diabetes can also enjoy a drink. There are also alcohol substitutes for those who abstain. In fact, diabetes alcohol guidelines are the same as for the general population. Read about alcohol's effect on blood sugar What are the recommended alcohol guidelines for people with diabetes? The guidelines are two units for women and three units for men. However, it is worth being aware how many units a drink contains. In some cases, a glass of wine will constitute two units, and a pint of beer can even reach three units. How much alcohol do drinks usually contain? If you have diabetes and are wondering how much alcohol you should drink, it is worth reading the following list to see how much alcohol is contained in each type of drink. One unit (approximate measure): 1/2 pint of standard strength beer, lager or cider 1 pub shot/optic/measure (50ml) of sherry or vermouth 1 pub shot/optic/measure of spirit (25 ml), eg gin, vodka or whisky. So if I have diabetes I can drink as usual? Not quite. People with diabetes need to be extra careful with alcohol. Alcohol intake significantly increases the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). If your diabetes is already well under control, a moderate amount of alcohol may be fine either before, during or soon after a meal. Even if you have a drink, this may not influence short-term blood glucose levels. However, there are some precautions to be taken care of. What do I need to be careful of when it comes to diabetes and alcohol? Avoid drinking on an empty stomach, as this will quickly increase the amount of alcohol i Continue reading >>

Effects Of Alcohol On Diabetes

Alcohol, which is made from fermented yeast, sugars, and starches is a very commonly used substance. In fact, 87.6% of adults aged 18 and over have consumed it at some point in their lifetime. It is also known as a depressant due to its capability to depress the central nervous system. About 71% have drank in the past year. When enjoyed in moderation, alcohol does not pose a risk, and actually has some health benefits to it. However, for those with diabetes, it can be a struggle to maintain a safe blood sugar while drinking. It is very easy to become hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemic (high blood sugar), depending on which type of diabetes you have and the medications that you take. Understanding the effects drinking has on diabetes is very important. This article discusses the risks and benefits of drinking. It also explains what drinks are best for individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Can I drink if I have diabetes? You can most certainly drink alcohol with diabetes. The key, just like many other things, is to do so in moderation. Also, if your blood sugar is not under good control, you should not drink because it can cause it to become too high or too low. Your doctor should be aware of your drinking habits so that they can make sure that you are not experiencing any complications related to it. I recommend reading the following articles: How does alcohol affect diabetes and my blood sugar levels? Normally, the liver is the organ that stores and secretes glucose to the cells in the body to fuel them when you are not eating. The liver is also responsible for cleansing the body of toxins. The liver does not recognize alcohol as food. Instead, it sees it as a drug and a toxin. When alcohol is in the system, the liver changes gears and begins to deto Continue reading >>

The Brain On Alcohol: Why Some Drinkers Black Out

After a night of heavy partying, you might need a few clues to piece together your night. New research suggests that some people are more susceptible than others to blackouts and memory loss after tossing a few back. The differences between the two "party types" are visible in their brains, with those prone to blackouts showing different responses in brain areas involved in memory and attention processes after ingesting just a slight amount of alcohol, compared with people who don't blackout. "It could be that their brains are just wired differently. Or it could be underlying things going on, like differences in dopamine levels," study researcher Reagan Wetherill, Ph.D., at the University of Pennsylvania, told LiveScience. "Some people are made differently and are able to handle things such as alcohol and others just aren't." Forgetful Mr. Drinksalot The researchers are studying what's technically called an "alcohol-induced fragmentary blackout" — what some might call a brownout — a time when memories get spotty due to alcohol drinking. "The fragmentary blackout is basically partial memory loss after a drinking episode. You can remember bits and pieces of things, once you are given clues," Wetherill said. "You are conscious and participating in these complex behaviors, but the brain isn't necessarily online, taking in the information and remembering what's going on." These blackouts can have negative consequences, like not remembering risky sex or driving while intoxicated and not remembering it. They aren't studying full-on blackouts, but those would be a logical extension of this work: The more alcohol, the more complete the blackout, Wetherill said. Drunk in the lab again The researchers studied 24 college students who routinely have two or three nights out with Continue reading >>

Alcohol Blackouts...

Diabetes Forum The Global Diabetes Community Find support, ask questions and share your experiences. Join the community I am not a big drinker. Weddings, special events and the odd weekend (once every few months at most) are really the only times. Been diagnosed T1 for 8 months now, and since ive been on insulin, ive experienced something odd. Ive had 4 drinking sessions this year, 3 big events, and 1 weekend session (yesterday). I have been blackout drunk each time, not remembering the night before AT ALL. I thought the first few times it was down to the volume of drink (which is a reasonable assumption, knowing the volume i did drink). Yesterday, however, i had around 16 units over a 5 hour period (too much, probably, but not ridiculous based on what i drank pre T1)! I do not remember getting home (i was with the Mrs, so was safe), or injecting when i came home, but checked my meter and i did check my blood. Has anyone experienced this, and of course other than drinking less, does insulin have an effect with alcohol to cause these blackouts? P.s. i am so embarrassed about being 'that guy'. Glad you posted this. I was about to start a thread about drinking and glucose monitoring results. Here's something we can all do for each other, take an alcohol test. We all should have an idea of what our levels will be after a normal diet, but throw alcohol into the equation and we all get lost... I would like to see what the effect of say two cans (500ml) of 5% strength lager has on blood sugar levels at 1,2, 3 and four hours do to the members who post on here as our very own experiment.. I bet our readings will all be way down and confirm a thought I have had for some time, that any alcohol consumption makes blood sugar levels testing, a waste of time. I have the libre freesty Continue reading >>

Alcohol And Diabetes

Alcohol and the heart Alcohol and diabetes Alcohol and the liver Alcohol and cancer Alcohol and women Alcohol and allergy Alcohol and older people Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disorder in the blood level of insulin, a pancreatic hormone, that helps convert blood glucose into energy. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the insulin it does produce doesn’t work properly. Insulin is a hormone that transfers glucose from the bloodstream into the cells to be used for energy. If you have diabetes, your body cannot make proper use of this glucose so it builds up in the blood instead of moving into your cells. The chances of developing diabetes may depend on a mix of your genes and your lifestyle. It’s a manageable condition. But when it’s not well managed, it is associated with serious complications including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, nerve damage and amputations. In 2014, it was estimated that 29 million Americanse have diabetes (9.3% of the population) and 21 million of these have been diagnosed. Data reported by researchers from the CDC in the journal Population Health Metrics (November 2010) showed three scenarios for projected prevalence of diabetes in the year 2050 predicting that diabetes in the US population could rise to between 21% and 33% in 2050) It is estimated 95% of Americans with diabetes have type 2 diabetes, while 5% have type 1 diabetes (CDC). The total economic burden of diabetes in the US, including direct and indirect costs, was estimated to be $245 billion in 2012. There are two main types of diabetes Type 1 diabetes develops if the body can’t produce enough insulin, because insulin-producing cells in the pancreas have been destroyed. It can happen: because of genetic factors when a viru Continue reading >>

Drug And Alcohol Use With Diabetes

Comprehensive Guide to Research on Risk, Complications and Treatment Substance abuse is described as the excessive use of a substance such as alcohol or drugs that results in significant clinical impairments as well as the loss of ability to function academically, professionally, and socially [1]. An individual who was healthy before the substance abuse began will typically begin to experience serious health problems over time, but extensive damage may be avoided or reversed if effective substance abuse treatment is received. This is not the case, however, for individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes, and although this is a manageable disease with proper treatment, substance abuse may cause it to become life-threatening. This guide will discuss, in detail, how substance abuse can negatively impact the life and health of a person with diabetes. Diabetes, also referred to as diabetes mellitus, is a condition in which the body is unable to properly regulate blood sugar levels. There are two forms known as type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but in order to better understand the difference between the two types, the role that insulin plays in the regulation of healthy blood sugar levels will be briefly described. During the digestive process, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is a form of sugar that easily enters the bloodstream and is used by the body for energy. The pancreas normally responds to increasing blood sugar levels by initiating the production of the hormone known as insulin. As insulin levels increase, it signals the transfer of glucose into cells throughout the body and it also ensures that excess glucose will be stored in the liver in order to prevent high blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes, which is also called juvenile or insulin dependent Continue reading >>

Diabetes And Alcohol: Do The Two Mix? (part 1)

A nice glass of Chianti…a cold beer on a hot summer day…celebrating with a flute of champagne. There are so many ways that alcohol is integrated into both everyday life and special occasions. Granted, not everyone drinks alcohol, but many people do. And when it comes to the question, "Can I drink alcohol if I have diabetes?" the answer is about as clear as that for "Is a low-carb diet good for diabetes?" In other words, the answer really is, "It depends!" It’s important to mention right off the bat that there are certainly many reasons why people should not drink alcohol. Some may be related to diabetes and some may be related to other reasons. Therefore, it’s important to discuss this issue with your health-care provider if you have any doubts or concerns. And if you’re newly diagnosed with diabetes or starting on a new medicine, it’s worthwhile bringing up the topic if your provider doesn’t. While you’d be hard-pressed to find any health organization actually recommending that you drink alcohol, you might take some comfort in knowing that the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association, and even the American Cancer Society agree that drinking alcohol in moderation is certainly not off-limits to most people. But back to diabetes and alcohol. What’s the concern here? And why should some people with diabetes not drink alcohol? To answer these questions, it’s helpful to understand a little bit about how alcohol is processed in the body. The body treats alcohol as a drug, not as a food product. This means that, when you drink any type of alcoholic beverage, your liver kicks into high gear, preparing itself to “detoxify” the body of this “poison” (I’m using these words for dramatic effect). Essentially, the liver has to metabo Continue reading >>

And Diabetes

Diabetes is a common, life-long condition that occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the insulin it does produce doesn’t work properly. Insulin is a hormone that transfers glucose from the bloodstream into the cells to be used for energy. If you have diabetes, your body cannot make proper use of this glucose so it builds up in the blood instead of moving into your cells. The chances of developing diabetes may depend on a mix of your genes and your lifestyle. Drinking to excess, for example, can contribute to individuals becoming diabetic. Diabetes is a manageable condition. But when it’s not well managed, it is associated with serious health complications including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, nerve damage and amputations2. There are two main types of diabetes3 Type 1 diabetes develops if the body can’t produce enough insulin, because insulin-producing cells in the pancreas have been destroyed. It can happen: Because of genetic factors When a virus or infection triggers an autoimmune response (where the body starts attacking itself). People who have this type of diabetes are usually diagnosed before they’re 40 and there’s currently no way to prevent it. It’s the least common type of diabetes – only 10% of all cases are type 14. Type 2 diabetes. Develops when the body can still make some insulin, but not enough, or when the body becomes resistant to insulin. It can happen: When people are overweight and inactive. People who are an ‘apple-shape’ (with lots of fat around the abdomen) have a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes Because of genetic factors. People who have this type of diabetes are usually diagnosed when they’re over 40, and it’s more common in men. However, more overweight children and Continue reading >>

Hyperglycaemia And Diabetes

Hyperglycaemia is also known as high blood sugar, or high blood glucose, and can be a serious problem for a person with diabetes. Hyperglycaemia happens when the body is unable to remove glucose from the blood and turn it into energy. Short-term symptoms of hyperglycaemia include increased thirst, wanting to urinate more often, and feeling tired. In the longer term, untreated hyperglycaemia can cause blurred vision and unexpected weight loss. The symptoms of hyperglycaemia can often lead to a diagnosis of diabetes, or in a person already diagnosed with diabetes it can be a sign that the condition is not well managed. In fasting hyperglycaemia, blood sugar is still high after fasting for at least 8 hours. In postprandial or hyperglycaemia after a meal, blood sugar becomes high after eating and drinking. What causes hyperglycaemia in diabetes? Hyperglycaemia in diabetes may be caused by: Skipping or forgetting your insulin or oral glucose-lowering medication Eating too many grams of carbohydrates for the amount of insulin administered or just eating too many grams of carbohydrates in general Infection Illness Increased stress Decreased activity or exercising less than usual Strenuous physical activity What are the symptoms of hyperglycaemia in diabetes? If you have diabetes, it is important to know the early signs of hyperglycaemia. If hyperglycaemia is left untreated, it may develop into ketoacidosis (if you have type 1 diabetes) or HHNS (if you have type 2 diabetes), both of which are serious emergencies. Early signs of hyperglycaemia in diabetes include: Increased thirst Difficulty concentrating Blurred vision Frequent urination (especially at night) Fatigue (weak, tired feeling) Weight loss and loss of muscle bulk Blood sugar more than 10 mmol/l Prolonged hyperglycaem Continue reading >>