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Type:
Hosp Inpt eCQMs - Hospital Inpatient eCQMs
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Resolution: Answered
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Priority:
Moderate
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Component/s: None
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None
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Maya Frankenstein
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St. Luke's Health System
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CMS0871v5
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Alcohol consumption can complicate glucose and insulin management
When drinking alcohol is combined with the medications most often used to treat diabetes—particularly insulin and sulfonylureas, low blood glucose can result.
Alcohol withdrawal can cause low blood sugar. Alcohol is a depressant and when you drink, it slows down your body's normal functions. This includes the release of glucose from the liver. So when you suddenly stop drinking, your blood sugar can drop quickly. This can cause symptoms like shaking, sweating, and feeling very hungry. If you have diabetes, you should be especially careful when you're drinking and when you're giving up alcohol, because you're at risk for low blood sugar.Â