Drinking Small Amounts of Alcohol May Help Protect Against Type 2 Diabetes

---

Alcohol intake among women and its relationship to diabetes incidence and all-cause mortality, by L. Lapidus and colleagues. Diabetes Care 28:2230–2235, 2005.

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

According to some studies, drinking moderate amounts of alcohol (or about one glass of wine a day) seems to lower the risk for heart and blood vessel disease and to improve the body's ability to use insulin. But other studies have shown that these effects depend on other factors, most notably whether the person is lean, overweight, or obese.

Why did the researchers do this particular study?

Very few studies have looked at the relationship between drinking alcohol and getting diabetes among obese (or seriously overweight) people. The researchers wanted to see if being obese (as well as other factors) affects the benefits of drinking moderate amounts of alcohol.

Who was studied?

A total of 1,462 women who were between the ages of 38 and 60 and were from Göteborg, Sweden.

How was the study done?

This study began in 1968. The women were asked about how much they drank, how much they exercised, if diabetes ran in their family, if they smoked, and about their education and income levels. The researchers also measured their weight, blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and cholesterol and lipid levels (types of fat in the blood vessels). The women were interviewed and examined again on four different occasions over the next 32 years.

What did the researchers find?

Overall, drinking moderate amounts of alcohol appeared to protect against getting type 2 diabetes. However, these benefits weren’t as strong among women who were overweight, obese, or less active.

What were the limitations of the study?

The women were responsible for reporting how much alcohol they drank, and this isn't a very accurate method to collect data.

The data had a number of limitations. For instance, it did not take into account binge drinking.

All of the patients were women and from a particular part of Sweden. The data may not be the same for other groups.

What are the implications of the study?

Like previous research, this study showed that drinking a moderate amount of alcohol helps protect against getting type 2 diabetes. It should be noted, however, that some diabetes-related problems can be worsened by drinking alcohol. People who have diabetes should consult with their doctor to see if it's ok for them to occasionally drink a moderate amount of alcohol.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Alcohol

The Benefits of Red Wine

Alcohol consumption and the incidence of type 2 diabetes: a 20-year follow-up of the Finnish Twin Cohort Study, by S. Carlsson and colleagues. Diabetes Care 26:2785–2790, 2003.