Can Alcoholism Cause Diabetes?

Alcoholism is classified as a disease that causes the body to become dependent on frequent alcohol consumption. Alcoholism can lead to many adverse health conditions and may even cause diabetes to develop in some individuals. Those individuals who already have diabetes may also suffer additional adverse affects of consuming excess alcohol.

Pancreatitis

• According to the Mayo Clinic, drinking alcohol excessively can lead to pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can damage the pancreas, so it is no longer able to secrete adequate amounts of insulin to control blood sugar. This can cause diabetes to develop.

Glucose Intolerance

• Alcohol consumption may also lead to glucose intolerance and eventually lead to diabetes.

Impairs Insulin Response

• Excessive drinking may cause the body to stop responding appropriately to insulin. Over time, this can cause diabetes to develop.

Raises Blood Sugar

• Drinking alcohol excessively can increase the secretion of hormones that raise blood sugar levels.

Weight Gain

• Being obese puts individuals at a greater risk of developing diabetes. Drinking excessive high-calorie alcoholic drinks may lead to obesity and increase this risk.