Disclaimer: The content of the article is for reference only, the storyline is purely fictional, intended to popularize health knowledge, if you feel unwell, please seek medical attention offline.
On summer nights, the air is filled with the faint scent of osmanthus flowers. Li Chenggong stood on the balcony, looking at the brightly lit streets in the distance, full of contradictions. Today is his 50th birthday, and after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a few months ago, he is hesitant to go to an appointment with his long-time friend Zhang Jian.
"Lao Li, a few of our old brothers will celebrate your birthday tonight, if you don't get drunk, you won't return!" Zhang Jian said enthusiastically on the phone. Li Chenggong smiled bitterly, remembering the doctor's stern advice: "Diabetics must not touch alcohol!" However, if you only have one 50th birthday, can't you even drink one glass?
Li Chenggong shook his head and decided to go to the appointment. "Once in a while, it should be fine," he reassured himself. What he didn't know, however, was that this decision would have unintended consequences for him.
After three rounds of wine, Li Chenggong has already drunk a lot of liquor. Under the influence of alcohol, he felt hot all over his body and dizzy. Suddenly, a sharp abdominal pain hit, and he broke out in a cold sweat and turned pale.
"Lao Li, what's wrong with you?" Zhang Jian asked with concern.
"I... I'm not feeling well," Li Chenggong said with difficulty, and then fell to the ground.
Zhang Jian immediately called the emergency number. An ambulance roared and took Li Chenggong to the hospital.
In the emergency room, doctor Wang Ming quickly examined Li Chenggong. "The blood sugar level reached 25.6 mmol/L, which is already in a state of severe hyperglycemia." Dr. Wang frowned and said, "Coupled with the influence of alcohol, it is likely to trigger ketoacidosis." "
Li Chenggong's wife, Zhao Fang, rushed to hear the news and asked anxiously, "Doctor, will he be in any danger?"
Dr. Wong explains solemnly, "Drinking alcohol in people with diabetes can have a variety of serious consequences. First, alcohol interferes with glucose metabolism in the liver, causing blood sugar fluctuations. Second, alcohol inhibits insulin secretion and aggravates hyperglycemia. More seriously, heavy alcohol consumption can trigger ketoacidosis, a life-threatening complication. "[1]
Zhao Fang listened to the doctor's explanation in horror and regretted. She recalled that her husband had said lightly that he wanted to go to the drinking party, and she did not stop him at the time. "If I had known that, I should have firmly objected to him drinking." She thought to herself.
The doctor continued, "In addition to this, drinking alcohol in diabetics can also lead to a variety of problems such as hypoglycemia, increased blood pressure, and aggravation of neuropathy. We need to take immediate steps now to control our blood sugar and prevent complications. "[2]
At this moment, Li Chenggong suddenly developed symptoms of confusion and shortness of breath. Paramedics rushed to the rescue, injecting him with insulin, electrolytes, and other necessary treatments.
A few days later, Li Chenggong's condition gradually stabilized. He lay in his hospital bed, remembering the night that almost took his life, and he was terrified. Dr. Wang came to the ward and began to explain in detail the dangers of drinking alcohol in diabetic patients.
"Mr. Li, your experience this time fully illustrates the dangers of drinking alcohol in diabetics." Dr. Wang said earnestly, "Let's analyze the impact of alcohol consumption on diabetic patients. "
1. Blood Sugar Fluctuations:
"Alcohol interferes with glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis processes in the liver, leading to blood sugar instability. Drinking alcohol may raise blood sugar initially, but it may cause hypoglycemia subsequently, especially if you drink on an empty stomach. "[3]
2. Ketoacidosis Risk:
"Heavy alcohol consumption may lead to ketoacidosis, which is a serious metabolic disorder. Alcohol inhibits the metabolism of fatty acids, leading to the accumulation of ketones and triggering acidosis. "[4]
3. Changes in insulin sensitivity:
"Long-term alcohol consumption can reduce cellular sensitivity to insulin, worsen insulin resistance, and make blood sugar control more difficult." [5]
4. Aggravation of neurological lesions:
"Alcohol may exacerbate the peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes, leading to numbness and tingling in the limbs." [6]
5. Increased Cardiovascular Risk:
"Drinking alcohol can increase blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Diabetics already face a higher cardiovascular risk, and drinking alcohol is undoubtedly worse. "[7]
6. Liver Damage:
"The liver function of diabetic patients is often already affected, and drinking alcohol can further increase the burden on the liver, increasing the risk of fatty liver and cirrhosis." [8]
After listening to the doctor's explanation, Li Chenggong felt deeply guilty and regretful. He remembered that his work partner, Chen Qiang, is also a diabetic, but he has always strictly controlled his diet and living habits. Chen Qiang once told him: "Health is the most valuable wealth, and we must take good care of ourselves for the sake of our families."
Li Chenggong held his wife's hand and said solemnly: "Fang, I'm sorry, I'm too willful." In the future, I will definitely strictly follow the doctor's instructions and never touch alcohol again. "
Zhao Fang nodded with relief, tears in her eyes: "As long as you are safe, it's fine." We work together to manage your condition well. "
After being discharged from the hospital, Li Chenggong completely changed his lifestyle. He began to exercise every day, strictly control his diet, and check his blood sugar regularly. He also took the initiative to educate his friends about diabetes, hoping to help more people realize the seriousness of the disease.
Half a year later, Li Chenggong joined a support group for diabetic patients. There, he met many friends who had similar experiences to him. There is a retired teacher, Mr. Wu, whose diabetes worsened because of uncontrolled drinking; There is a young programmer Xiao Wang, who often uses alcohol to kill his worries under work pressure, and is diagnosed with diabetes; There is also chef Lao Liu, whose professional habits make it difficult for him to quit drinking, until he has serious complications.
In the support group, Li Chenggong shared his own experience and called on everyone to pay attention to diabetes management, especially the importance of quitting alcohol. His story resonated with many people and made more people aware of the dangers of drinking alcohol in diabetics.
A year later, at Li Chenggong's 51st birthday party, friends prepared non-alcoholic drinks for him. Zhang Jian lifted the juice and said with a smile: "Lao Li, I wish you a happy birthday, and I wish you good health!"
Li Chenggong was full of emotion, recalling the night that almost caused a catastrophe a year ago, and glad that he woke up in time. He raised his glass and said solemnly, "Thank you." Health is indeed the most precious gift. Let's cherish life together, care for each other, and spend a wonderful day!"
This warm scene marks a new starting point for Li Chenggong's life. He not only overcame the challenges of the disease, but also became a role model and inspiration to those around him. This story tells us that for diabetics, "not a drop of wine" is not an exaggeration, but a piece of advice about life. A healthy lifestyle is not only a responsibility for oneself, but also a responsibility for one's family and society.
(References:
[1] American Diabetes Association. (2020). Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2020. Diabetes Care, 43(Supplement 1), S1-S2.
[2] Emanuele, N. V., Swade, T. F., & Emanuele, M. A. (1998). Consequences of alcohol use in diabetics. Alcohol Health and Research World, 22(3), 211.
[3] Steiner, J. L., Crowell, K. T., & Lang, C. H. (2015). Impact of alcohol on glycemic control and insulin action. Biomolecules, 5(4), 2223-2246.
[4] Umpierrez, G. E., & Freire, A. X. (2002). Abdominal pain in patients with hyperglycemic crises. Journal of Critical Care, 17(1), 63-67.