Lactic acidosis is characterized by low ph in the blood and body tissues followed by a build up of lactate. The body cells receive little oxygen similar periods of vigorous exercise. In the absence of oxygen the tissues in the muscles resort to anaerobic metabolism which causes release of lactic acid into the muscles causing stiffness. Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, shock, tachycardia, hypotension and lethargy among others.
Alcohol is a common beverage containing ethanol. Alcoholic beverages are of three type’s wines, spirit and beers. Beer is the most popular and widely consumed. Beer is made by fermentation of starches while wine is made from fermented fruits. Spirits are a product of distillation from a base. Short term effects of alcohol include intoxication and dehydration. Long term effects are addiction or alcoholism liver and brain metabolic change.
Intoxication causes slurred speech, delayed reflexes and clumsiness as the brain is affected. Alcohol causes the body to produce more insulin leading to glucose metabolism resulting to low blood sugar. This causes irritation and for diabetic person may cause death. Consumption of small amount of alcohol by older women lowers the blood glucose which slow or prevent the possible onset of diabetes.
Alcohol beverages use is generally discouraged on people on medication unless otherwise advised by the medical practitioner. Metformin also known as Glucophage and alcoholic beverages cannot be consumed at the same time. People who are diabetic are warned of the side effects of Metformine and other diabetic medications as the effects may turn to be fatal. Large amounts of alcohol combined with Metformine increases the risk of developing lactic acidosis. Fatality due to ignorance can lead to unnecessary Metformine law suit by the bereaved family. Continue reading