British Journal of Nutrition

Table of Contents - 1994 - Volume 71, Issue 03  

Research Article

Effect of alcohol on glucose, insulin, free fatty acid and triacylglycerol responses to a light meal in non-insulin-dependent diabetic subjects

Christian Christiansena1a2, Claus Thomsena1, Ole Rasmussena3, Catrine Hauersleva2, Mette Ballea2, Carsten Hansena4 and Kjeld Hermansena2*

a1 Institute of Clinical Experimental Research, Aarhus University

a2 Medical Department III, Aarhus University Hospital, Tage Hansensgade 2, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark

a3 Medical Department III, Aarhus University Hospital, Tage Hansensgade 2, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark

a4 Department of Forensic Toxicology, Aarhus University, Denmark

Abstract

Alcohol accounts for 4-6% of the average energy intake in most Western countries. Alcohol-induced hypoglycaemia is a well-known and feared complication in insulin-dependent diabetic subjects, but little attention has been paid to the impact of alcohol on carbohydrate metabolism in non-insulin-dependent diabetes. The aim of the present study was to investigate in non-insulin-dependent diabetic subjects the acute metabolic effects of a moderate amount of alcohol taken with a light meal, conditions chosen to mimic an everyday situation. The patients received 500 ml non-alcoholic beer with an alcohol content (ml/l) of 0 (treatment A) and 54 (treatment B) together with a light meal, implying identity of the contents of ingredients except for alcohol. We found similar serum glucose, insulin, free fatty acid and triacylglycerol responses irrespective of addition of a modern amount of alcohol. In conclusion, a moderate amount of alcohol can be taken with a meal without eliciting hypoglycaemia in non-insulin-dependent diabetic subjects.

(Received January 22 1993)

(Revised April 23 1993)

(Accepted May 07 1993)

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