ALCOHOLIC HYPOGLYCEMIA IN ALLOXAN-TREATED RABBITS

Abstract

Many cases of alcohol induced hypoglycemic states have been reported from various parts of the world. Hypoglycemia after alcohol in diabetics was also reported by several investigators. While non-diabetic drinkers need not worry about hypoglycemia, insulin dependent diabetics have much cause for concern. If confused after drinking alcohol, they may either take an over-dose of insulin or may miss meals. In the present study it has been shown that the animals not having adequate food intake after insulin and ethanol showed a severe degree of hypoglycemia. It is likely that alcohol per se directly interferes with the blood glucose regulating mechanism when taken concurrently with insulin, this condition producing central nervous system damage. For this reason, diabetics should be made aware of this before they are allowed to consume alcohol.