Does alcohol consumption affect the glycosylated haemoglobin values of an individual with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus?

Hyperglycaemia amongst individuals with Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM), can lead to the development of chronic diabetic complications. The Glycosylated Haemoglobin (HbAlc) assay retrospectively measures the extent of an individual's hyperglycaemic episodes in the last 8 - 1 2 weeks. Elevated HbAlc values significantly correlate with the development of diabetic complications. Previous research concerning the hyperglycaemic effects of alcohol among individuals with IDDM is conflicting. Authors have reported contrasting results, ranging from the impairment of glucose tolerance, to the enhancement of glucose tolerance, to no effects on glucose metabolism at all. This uncertain relationship is also corroborated by the previous research on the effects of alcohol consumption towards HbAlc, where researchers, report both an association between alcohol consumption and elevated HbAlc and alcohol, and no association at all. This present study was undertaken to determine the effects of alcohol consumption towards the elevation of HbAlc values.