Effect of moderate alcohol intake on acute glycemic excursion in insulin-treated type 2 diabetics

The effect of moderate alcohol intake on acute glycemic excursion in type 2 diabetes treated with insulin pump and the relevant factors were explored.Forty male type 2 diabetic patients were treated by insulin pump to achieve steady glucose control.Then they took the same amount of water on the first day along with food and moderate alcohol on the second day.24 h glycemic excursions during the two consecutive days were observed by means of continuous glucose monitor system.Blood C-peptide (C-P),glucagon,growth hormone (GH),and cortisol were determined on the next morning,24 h prior to,and 24 h after taking alcohol.The results showed that 24 h mean blood glucose(MBG) was decreased (P＜0.05) after taking alcohol.Compared with water drinking group,blood GH was decreased in the next morning after drinking alcohol (P ＜ 0.05).One case developed persistent nocturnal hypoglycemia after drinking moderate amount of alcohol.25 cases showed no hypoglycemia (termed as nonhypoglycemia group),and 15 cases developed hypoglycemia after drinking alcohol (termed as hypoglycemia group).The fasting C-P and 2 h C-P,preprandial blood glucose,and the next day fasting blood glucose following drinking alcohol in hypoglycemia group were lower than those in the non-hypoglycemia group (P＜0.05).In nonhypoglycemia group,GH on the next morning after drinking alcohol was decreased (P ＜ 0.05).In hypoglycemia group,glucagon on the next morning after drinking alcohol was increased.Moderate alcohol intake with food in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with insulin pump usually did not yield acute glycemic excursion.But patients with relevant poor islet function,lower preprandial blood glucose,and a history of hypoglycemia should be alrty of the alcohol-induced hypoglycemia.By inhibition of GH,moderate alcohol consumption may exert some beneficial effects on glucose control. Key words: Alcohol intake ;  Diabetes mellitus, type 2 ;  Glycemic excursion;  Continuous glucose monitor system