Re: How does diabetes effect blood alcohol test.

Whoever told you that is right... in a certain situation.

The body prefers to use glucose for energy.  The cells of the body need 
insulin in order to take up glucose from the blood.  If a diabetic does 
not take enough insulin, the cells won't be able to use the blood glucose, 
and the body will start breaking down other materials for energy (namely, 
fats).  When fats are broken down for energy, waste products called 
ketones (also known as ketoacids or ketone bodies) are produced.  These 
ketones can cross-react with both the breath and blood alcohol tests.  
Therefore, a diabetic who is making ketones may have a positive result, 
even if he or she hasn't had anything to drink.

But the problem for diabetics doesn't end there.  A diabetic who is 
producing LOTS of ketones (again, as a result of not taking enough 
insulin) will have a peculiar odor on their breath from the ketones - an 
odor which might be mistaken for alcohol.  And even worse, having lots of 
ketones in the blood can make the blood acidic, which will make the person 
feel sick, dizzy and confused - and this might be mistaken for drunkedness!

So, if you're diabetic, don't drink or do so only in moderation, and 
certainly not when you plan to drive.

Chris Bassett, MD
Department of Pediatrics
UT College of Medicine, Chattanooga Unit
Chattanooga, Tennessee