What effect does ethanol infusion have on blood glucose levels?

Ethanol infusion causes hypoglycemia primarily due to its effect on the liver's metabolic processes. The liver plays a crucial role in gluconeogenesis, the process of producing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. Ethanol inhibits gluconeogenesis, as it alters the redox state of the liver and leads to an accumulation of NADH. This shift in the NADH/NAD+ ratio impairs the conversion of lactate and other substrates into glucose. As a result, the liver's ability to release glucose into the bloodstream is compromised, which can lead to a decrease in blood glucose levels, specifically hypoglycemia, especially in situations where glycogen stores are depleted, such as in fasting or alcohol consumption without food intake.

This information showcases the importance of understanding the metabolic effects of substances like ethanol on blood glucose levels, which is vital for critical care nursing, especially when managing patients with conditions like alcohol use disorder or those receiving intravenous ethanol in a clinical setting.