Influence of alcohol on cognitive performance during mild hypoglycaemia; implications for Type 1 diabetes

Abstract

The cumulative effect of alcohol and hypoglycaemia on cognitive function together has implications for driving in patients with Type 1 diabetes. Both independently impair cognitive function and together the effects are additive. Patients with Type 1 diabetes should be educated about hypoglycaemia and driving and should avoid alcohol completely if planning to drive.

Survey of alcohol-related presentations to Australasian emergency departments

“…As alcohol and hypoglycaemia have independent but additive effects on national health and medic al research council | 95 australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol APPENDIX A1 Further issues to consider cognitive function, it is recommended that people with diabetes abstain from alcohol if they plan to drive (Cheyne et al 2004).…”

Principales daños sanitarios y sociales relacionados con el consumo de alcohol

“…Por otra parte, el consumo excesivo puede complicar el manejo de la diabetes porque aumenta el riesgo de hipoglucemia 149,150 .…”

Diabetes and Driving

“…When that regimen includes the possibility of hypoglycemia, education should include instruction on avoiding and responding to hypoglycemia, discussion about the patient's vulnerability for driving mishaps, and ongoing learning to ensure that patients have knowledge of when it is and is not safe for them to drive. For example, the risks of driving under the influence of alcohol are well known, but the delayed hypoglycemic effects of even moderate alcohol intake are not, and alcohol exacerbates the cognitive impairment associated with hypoglycemia (48). Inasmuch as hypoglycemia can be mistaken for intoxication, and both increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents, patients should be counseled to test glucose more frequently for several hours after moderate alcohol intake.…”