Question

Can or cannot alcohol (ethanol) save life from the cold condition (the process of gluconeogenesis, hypoglycemia need to be talked, biochemisty related, need to have some chemical equations )

Answer 1

The correct answer is no. Alcohol will not save life in cold conditions. When we consume first we feel warmed but it won't help to prevent hypothermia. Alcohol may keep your body warm inside but it results the blood vessel to expand and cause more rapid heat loss from the surface of the skin. Natural shivering process is diminishing by consuming alcohol.

Gluconeogenesis is the process of production of glucose from other molecules. It is an important pathway to store energy in the form of glucose for brain. The alcohol consumption is leading excess amount of NADH accumulation. This high concentration of NADH leads in the inhibition of gluconeogenesis. It is happening by preventing the conversion of lactate to pyruvate. It also reduces pool of cytoplasmic NAD+. Malate can not be oxidized into oxaloacetate. Thereby gluconeogenesis inhibited.

Low blood sugar in the body otherwise called hypoglycemia. Consumption of alcohol increase the insulin secretion in the body. By the secretion of insulin low blood sugar condition is evolved. This results in headache, fatigue and long term alcohol diseases. Hypoglycemia is also evolved when alcohol consumed without eating enough food.

2CH3CHO + O2 gives 2CH3COOH + 2H2O Oxidation is happening under aerobic conditions.