For individuals with diabetes, alcohol can have which of the following effects?

In individuals with diabetes, alcohol consumption can indeed lower blood glucose levels and block gluconeogenesis. When alcohol is ingested, it is metabolized primarily in the liver, which utilizes NAD+ – a coenzyme involved in cellular metabolism – to break down the alcohol. This process prioritizes the metabolism of alcohol over other metabolic processes, including gluconeogenesis, which is the generation of glucose from non-carbohydrate substrates.

In the context of diabetes, this mechanism is particularly significant. If a person with diabetes consumes alcohol on an empty stomach or does not manage their carbohydrate intake appropriately, the inhibition of gluconeogenesis can result in hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar levels. This is especially risky for individuals taking insulin or certain oral hypoglycemic medications that lower blood glucose.

Therefore, option B accurately reflects the dual effects of alcohol on blood glucose levels and gluconeogenesis in individuals with diabetes, emphasizing the importance of monitoring alcohol intake and understanding its potential impact on glucose control.