Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Medical Devices
Open Access

Continuous Glucose Monitors for Alcohol-Induced Hypoglycaemia

James Healy^{* *}Correspondence: James Healy, Department of Medicine, University of California, California, USA, Email:

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Description

Alcohol-induced hypoglycaemia is a significant and often under recognized risk for individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Alcohol, especially when consumed in excess, can cause both immediate and long-term disturbances in blood sugar regulation. This makes the integration of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) technology a potentially valuable tool in managing alcohol-induced hypoglycaemia and improving overall health outcomes for individuals affected by AUD. Hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar, occurs when the glucose levels in the bloodstream drop too low to meet the body’s energy needs. Alcohol-induced hypoglycaemia primarily results from the liver’s impaired ability to release glucose into the bloodstream due to alcohol metabolism. The liver normally produces glucose through a process called gluconeogenesis, but alcohol inhibits this function, especially when consumed in large amounts. This is particularly problematic during periods of fasting (e.g., after a night of drinking or when skipping meals), as the body’s primary source of glucose comes from the liver. For individuals with AUD, who may regularly engage in binge drinking or irregular eating patterns, the risk of hypoglycaemia is significantly heightened. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, confusion, sweating, irritability and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or seizures. Since these symptoms can be easily mistaken for the effects of alcohol intoxication itself, the condition can go undiagnosed and untreated. For individuals with AUD, frequent and severe hypoglycaemic episodes can lead to serious health consequences, including an increased risk of accidents, injuries and long-term complications such as cardiovascular disease and neurological damage. Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) are wearable devices that provide real-time glucose readings, typically every few minutes, via a small sensor inserted under the skin. These devices have become important for individuals with diabetes, as they allow for continuous tracking of blood glucose levels and provide immediate feedback on fluctuations, enabling more precise adjustments to diet, exercise and medication. In the context of alcohol-induced hypoglycaemia, CGMs have the potential to provide important benefits for individuals with AUD. One of the primary advantages of CGMs is their ability to provide continuous, real-time data on glucose levels, offering immediate alerts when glucose levels are trending low. For individuals with AUD who may be at risk of alcohol-induced hypoglycaemia, this early warning system can be invaluable in preventing severe hypoglycemic episodes. Real-time alerts can help individuals take corrective actions, such as consuming glucose-rich foods or beverages, to raise their blood sugar levels before they experience the more severe symptoms of hypoglycaemia. In turn, this could prevent dangerous situations such as seizures, unconsciousness, or even death, which are potential outcomes of untreated hypoglycaemia. CGMs could also improve self-management of alcohol consumption and overall health in individuals with AUD. Many people with AUD struggle with self-awareness, particularly in understanding how their drinking patterns affect their physical health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, continuous glucose monitoring technology holds significant promise in managing alcohol-induced hypoglycaemia, particularly for individuals with alcohol use disorder. By providing real-time glucose tracking, early detection of hypoglycaemic episodes and valuable data for both patients and healthcare providers, CGMs could enhance the safety, selfmanagement and overall health of individuals affected by AUD. However, challenges such as adherence, device accuracy and integration into comprehensive care plans must be addressed to fully realize the potential of CGMs in this context. Ultimately, as medical technology continues to evolve .Alcohol use disorder is a complex condition that requires comprehensive care and the CGM is merely one component of a larger strategy to support recovery and health management.