Alcoholism as a Cause of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is normally not caused by alcohol consumption. However, long-term alcohol abuse of alcoholism can affect the pancreas, glucose production, liver and blood sugar levels, all of which can lead to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

• Type 2 diabetes requires insulin.

  Type 2 diabetes, also called adult onset diabetes, is developed when the body is either unable to produce enough insulin or when the body becomes resistant to the insulin.

Blood Sugar Levels

• Alcoholism has a direct affect blood sugar. Either signigicantly raising or lowereing blood sugar levels can negatively affect how glucose is concentrated in your body. Binge drinking has been shown to cause drastic drops in blood sugar levels while prolonged alcoholism can lead to increased blood sugar level.

Role of the Pancreas

• The pancreas is responsible for producing insulin. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to pancreatic damage. Over time, if the pancreas is damaged, the body will not receive the insulin that it needs, often leading to diabetes.

Role of the Liver

• The liver is responsible for storing glucose when the body doesn't need it and releases glucose into the blood stream when it is necessary. While the body is metablizing alcohol, the liver is not releasing glucose. Over time, this can alter the balance of glucose in the body negatively.

Liver Disease

• Liver disease, or cirrhosis of the liver, occurs when alcoholicism is left untreated. The liver is no longer able to function properly, if at all. According to G.G. Gorden and and C.S. Lieber, "45-70% of patients with alcoholic liver disease are glucose intolerant and are quite frankly diabetic."