What is the most critical issue concerning Edgar's alcohol use?

What is the most critical issue concerning Edgar's alcohol use?

• A. Alcohol causes a rise in blood sugar, leading to a sustained period of hyperglycemia.
• B. Binge drinking can lead to inappropriate and dangerous behaviour.
• C. Alcohol causes a drop in blood sugar that could lead to severe hypoglycemia.
• D. Because Edgar's parents are 'heavy drinkers,' he is more likely to develop a dependency on alcohol.

Answer: (C)

Alcohol can cause dangerous hypoglycemia because the liver’s ability to release glucose into the bloodstream is inhibited when alcohol is metabolized. This is especially risky for someone who has diabetes or uses insulin, since their blood sugar can fall very low, potentially leading to confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness if not recognized and treated promptly. The depressant effects of alcohol can also mask the early signs of low blood sugar, delaying help. While other issues like risky behaviors from binge drinking or a family history of heavy drinking may be concerns, they do not pose the immediate, life-threatening risk that severe hypoglycemia does in this context.

Alcohol can cause dangerous hypoglycemia because the liver’s ability to release glucose into the bloodstream is inhibited when alcohol is metabolized. This is especially risky for someone who has diabetes or uses insulin, since their blood sugar can fall very low, potentially leading to confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness if not recognized and treated promptly. The depressant effects of alcohol can also mask the early signs of low blood sugar, delaying help. While other issues like risky behaviors from binge drinking or a family history of heavy drinking may be concerns, they do not pose the immediate, life-threatening risk that severe hypoglycemia does in this context.