Brian is a 21-year-old Caucasian student who is in his last year of college. Though he is a good student, it has been Brian's practice since freshman year to binge drink on weekends, typically consuming more than a six-pack of beer on Friday and Saturday nights. Brian is 5'11" tall; has weighed about the same, 195 lbs., for the past few years; and is fairly muscular and athletic in his build. He eats most meals in the cafeteria, but despite access to homemade foods, he eats few vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and his diet is high in fat and salt. The only snacks he consumes are from the vending machine, and he usually washes down a bag of corn chips with a soda or grabs a burger, fries, and beer when out on weekends. He doesn't take any medications and has no significant medical history. A recent physical examination in preparation for basketball season revealed no remarkable physical findings except muscle aches since restarting weight lifting and new-onset stomach pain, which the doctor assesses to be gastritis. A lipid profile found his triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol to be elevated. His blood pressure is slightly elevated. He has a family history of hypertension, stroke, and alcohol abuse.
Because of his heavy drinking, Brian is at highest risk of what condition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Brian's heavy drinking increases his risk of hypoglycemia. Alcohol consumption can interfere with the liver's ability to release glucose into the bloodstream, potentially leading to low blood sugar levels, especially in individuals who binge drink without eating adequate food.

Brian Is a 21-Year-Old Caucasian Student Who Is in His