Differential effects of ethanol on the plasma glucose of non-alcoholic light and heavy social drinkers.
Plasma glucose levels (PGL) in healthy non-alcoholic heavy drinkers of both sexes were significantly higher than in light drinkers following feeding or fasting. Female heavy drinkers showed significant glucose intolerance following a standard (75 g) glucose tolerance test. Acute alcohol consumption (0.4 g/kg orally) produced a larger fall in the PGL of heavy, compared with light, drinkers, although the rate of clearance of alcohol was similar in both groups. It is concluded that mild hyperglycaemia and glucose intolerance can occur in regular heavy drinkers who are otherwise clinically normal. It is suggested that previous drinking history is an important factor to be considered in assessing the metabolic response of non-alcoholics to acute alcohol consumption.
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000502:physiology*; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism
D001786:Blood Glucose; D000431:Ethanol