After various studies have found that moderate alcohol consumption may actually be beneficial for the heart, another study claims that alcohol may be effective in preventing diabetes in older women.
A study done at the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Centre in USA, found that moderate consumption of alcohol increases the effectivity of insulin in the body thereby preventing the onset of Type 2 or non-insulin dependant diabetes. This type of diabetes is caused due to the body's inability to produce adequate amounts of insulin, which is the main hormone produced by the pancreas to regulate the blood sugar level.
In the study, 63 post-menopausal non-diabetic women were divided into 3 groups - one group were given 30 grams/day (2 drinks) of alcohol mixed with orange juice, second group consuming 15 g/d (1 drink) of the alcohol preparation and the third group consuming plain orange juice. This was given for a period of 8 weeks in conjunction with a controlled diet.
The results indicated that when women consumed 30 mg of alcohol per day their insulin sensitivity increased by 7.2%. The fasting triglyceride levels were also reduced by 7.8% for women consuming 15 mg of alcohol daily and by 10.3% for those consuming double the amount of alcohol. This is the first study that claims to record reduced fasting insulin concentration as a direct result of alcohol consumption. However, the researchers also claim that the findings are true for pure alcohol derivatives i.e. those derived from ethanol, and not for those that are derived from sugar beverages. Interestingly, not much change was found in insulin sensitivity and concentration in women who consumed 1 drink (15 mg/d) as compared to those who consumed plain orange juice.
Despite the positive findings in the study regarding diabetes. They found that moderate alcohol increases the body's sensitivity to insulin thus reducing the chances of diabetes. The researchers also caution against alcohol consumption since it has been associated with a higher risk of breast and colon cancer. Further studies to corroborate these findings may be necessary before a final decision can be arrived at by physicians worldwide.
JAMA, Vol. 287, No. 19