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Alcohol increases hunger, disrupts processing of sugar

VA Research News Briefs

Alcohol increases hunger, disrupts processing of sugarPhoto ©iStock/donfiore

(08/27/2026) VA Nebraska-Western Iowa researchers found exposing stomach and pancreas cells to alcohol increases secretion of the hunger hormone ghrelin and related biological processes. Excess ghrelin also impairs the cells’ ability to sense and process glucose, which can lead to harmful fat accumulation in the liver. Targeting these metabolic pathways has potential as a new treatment strategy for the interconnected conditions of alcohol use disorder and alcohol-associated liver disease. (Alcohol, Clinical & Experimental Research, Aug. 4, 2026)



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