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

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.
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-Because of his heavy drinking, Brian is at highest risk of what condition?​

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Brian's heavy drinking puts him at highest risk for hypoglycemia, which is characterized by abnormally low blood sugar levels. Alcohol inhibits the liver's ability to produce glucose, and binge drinking can lead to a sudden drop in blood sugar levels. This is particularly dangerous for someone like Brian, who has elevated triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol (which are metabolic markers for insulin resistance), and a family history of hypertension, stroke, and alcohol abuse. Hypoglycemia can cause weakness, confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness, and can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.

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