Alcohol consumption in youth dramatically lowers blood sugar levels. Doctors' warning
In the case of young individuals, alcohol consumption significantly lowers blood sugar levels. Suddenly, the brain no longer has a source of nourishment. And the situation can become a medical emergency. The euphoria that occurs after alcohol consumption is not the most dangerous.
A large glass of water after consuming alcohol helps you stay hydrated. It also automatically reduces the amount of alcohol later consumed, because it gives a feeling of fullness.
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This recommendation is valid for teenagers and young people exposed to alcohol. Why should the alcohol consumption be limited? Why not until the age of 18? We are not referring to the euphoria that occurs after consumption. It is not the most dangerous!
The brain lives on oxygen. And on the glucose in the blood, the sugar in the blood, which we call blood sugar. Alcohol acts quickly on blood sugar levels. It abruptly decreases blood sugar. The brain is no longer nourished. An extreme situation. Professor Coriolan Ulmeanu, head of the toxicology department at the Grigore Alexandrescu Children's Hospital, explains.
Prof. Dr. Coriolan Ulmeanu, Grigore Alexandrescu Hospital: "Children should be taught that until the age of 18, when cerebral maturation is somewhat completed, alcohol consumption has disastrous effects on the central nervous system, on an immature brain that needs glucose and oxygen. The neurodevelopmental immaturity, the underdevelopment of the brain, persists until the age of 18 to 21. We're not suggesting that puberty concludes at 16 and everything is optimal, but this aspect persists until the age of 21".
A party with alcohol? As little toxic as possible. Then, water for hydration. And food. To increase blood sugar. And return to normal. The brain completes its development only by the age of 24. The prefrontal cortex is the last part to mature completely. The one that controls our personality and emotions.
Accidental alcohol ingestion - in a child. We are talking about a medical emergency. Call an ambulance. At a young age, the decrease in blood sugar is dramatic and rapid. The body does not yet have the blood sugar compensation systems found in adults.
Prof. Dr. Coriolan Ulmeanu, Grigore Alexandrescu Hospital: "Blood sugar drops quickly, within a few minutes. The first emergency is to increase blood sugar. It is necessary to employ a venous approach, administering glucose intravenously at a rate of 30% - 2 ml per kilogram of body weight".
In the case of children, 2 grams of alcohol - consumed! - per kilogram/body weight means more than the body can bear. In a strong drink, 40 milliliters, namely a shot, we find no less than 15 grams of alcohol. It exceeds a child's metabolic capacity.
