This article is from the WebMD News Archive
Moderate Alcohol May Improve Diabetes
Lowers Insulin Resistance, Hallmark of Type 2 Diabetes
June 1, 2004 - Light to moderate alcohol drinkers appear to have an edge over teetotalers when it comes to diabetes risk, and now a new study explains why.
Researchers in Italy have shown that alcohol improves the body's resistance to insulin -- the hallmark of type 2 diabetes. The findings represent some of the first direct evidence to confirm what many large-population studies have indicated. While drinking alcohol may have many effects on carbohydrate metabolism, this study specifically quantifies the improvement in insulin action, writes researcher Angelo Avogaro, MD, PhD. People with type 2 diabetes are not able to use glucose effectively because of their body's resistance to insulin -- the hormone that allows glucose to be used by cells for energy.
"For people who can drink alcohol, the key is certainly moderation," Avogaro tells WebMD. "This study proves that alcohol has a direct effect on insulin sensitivity, and should be considered in cases where its use is not contraindicated."
Insulin Resistance Overcome
Avogaro and colleagues from the University of Padova Medical School in Italy, tested insulin sensitivity among eight healthy people and eight people with type 2 diabetes prior to and while they were drinking alcohol.
Insulin sensitivity was tested by checking tolerance to glucose while the participants drank 40 grams of alcohol administered as vodka 40% weight by volume -- the equivalent of about three drinks.
Drinking alcohol was shown to directly impact insulin's action in both groups, but the effect was much stronger among the people with diabetes. In people with type 2 diabetes, the study showed an improvement in insulin's action and other parameters such as fatty acid levels -- which may contribute to complications relating to diabetes and heart disease.
Avogaro tells WebMD that alcohol was able to normalize insulin activity in the volunteers with type 2 diabetes. But he explains that the effect was not caused by an increase in insulin secretion but rather an improvement in insulin resistance.
"It is noteworthy that alcohol can overcome the state of insulin resistant, the typical metabolic feature of these patients, without affecting beta cell secretion," he writes. Beta cells are the cells in the pancreas that secrete insulin.
The researchers conclude that "in the absence of a history of alcohol-related problems or other contraindications, we would encourage the use of small amounts of alcohol to improve insulin sensitivity and, perhaps, stave off potential cardiac complications of diabetes."
How Much Is too Much?
Nutrition researcher Frank Hu, MD, PhD, of the Harvard School of Public Health, has also studied the effect of alcohol on the risk of diabetes. He says the evidence from large-population studies is fairly consistent and shows a reduction in risk of 30% to 40% associated with moderate drinking -- similar to the reduction in heart disease risk associated with moderate alcohol consumption.
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Is This Normal?
Get the Facts Fast!Answer:
Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia). |
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
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