Thirty to 90 minutes after having a drink, the alcohol in your bloodstream is at its highest level. Your liver does most of the job of breaking down the alcohol once it's in your body. But it needs time. If you weigh 150 pounds, it will take about 2 hours to metabolize a beer or mixed drink. If you drink alcohol faster than your liver can break it down, the excess alcohol moves through your bloodstream to other parts of your body.
Brain cells are easy targets.
When someone talks about getting a buzz from alcohol, this is what they are feeling. If you have diabetes and take insulin shots or oral diabetes pills, you risk low blood glucose when you drink alcohol. To protect yourself, never drink on an empty stomach. Plan to have your drink with a meal or after eating a snack that contains protein, fat, or both. It has to do with your liver.