Test results for Mr. Nghia at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City revealed his blood glucose level had dropped below 50 mg/dl, significantly lower than the normal range of over 70 mg/dl. Doctors diagnosed him with acute hypoglycemia, which occurred in the context of his type 2 diabetes. He was promptly administered an injection of 20-30% glucose solution to quickly elevate his blood sugar and was subsequently transferred to the Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes for ongoing treatment.

Mr. Nghia has been living with diabetes for 13 years and consistently adheres to his prescribed medication regimen.

Doctor Hoang re-examines Mr. Nghia. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Medicine Lam Van Hoang, Head of the Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, explained that consuming a substantial amount of alcohol on an empty stomach can trigger acute hypoglycemia. When the body is fasting, it typically breaks down glycogen (a molecule that stores glucose in liver tissues) into glucose molecules to maintain stable blood sugar levels. However, the liver's process of metabolizing alcohol interferes with this vital function, causing a severe drop in blood glucose that can result in loss of consciousness.

Insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas, plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar. In individuals with diabetes, the body either does not respond effectively to insulin or produces an insufficient amount. Consequently, when diabetics consume alcohol, their ability to control blood sugar becomes even more challenging.

Mr. Nghia requires regular blood sugar monitoring every four hours to prevent levels from becoming too low or too high. In addition to diabetes, he also has fatty liver and dyslipidemia. His treatment plan involves medication combined with an appropriate diet to stabilize his blood sugar. He has been advised to avoid alcohol, beer, and stimulants entirely.

Nurses draw blood for Mr. Nghia's basic tests. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Hoang cautioned that many people experience hypoglycemia while sleeping after consuming alcohol, yet their family members frequently mistake these symptoms for simple drunkenness. If this condition is overlooked and not treated promptly, it can rapidly progress to coma, respiratory failure, and severe metabolic acidosis, posing a life-threatening risk. Doctor Hoang advises adults against consuming alcohol on an empty stomach, emphasizing that diabetic patients must completely abstain from beer and alcohol to prevent increased complications and the worsening of existing underlying health conditions.

Bach Duong

*Patient's name has been changed