Is there any association between alcohol intake and insulin secretion and sensitivity? How does the body process alcohol, as carbohydrates, sugar, or otherwise?

Alcohol has many complex affects on metabolism. First, many people feel it is most like a fat because it cannot be made into an amino acid or a carbohydrate. However, alcohol has several toxic reactions that impact carbohydrate metabolism. One of those toxic effects is to inhibit gluconeogenesis. This is the cause for people to have severe lows after heavy drinking three to five hours after the fact. Second, it can be associated with acute ketosis due to lack of nutrition if this is not taken with the alcohol. Finally, there can be chronic effects of alcohol abuse that also impact carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism if they persist long-term.

JTL