Sunday Nov 30, 2014 (foodconsumer.org) -- A study recently published on the website of Journal of Obesity suggests that light to moderate alcohol consumption may protect against type 2 diabetes mellitus in normal weight or overweight people, but not obese people.

The study led by scientists at University of Auckland in New Zealand shows that alcohol drinkers with normal weight or overweight were at 77% and 62% reduced risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, respectively, compared with non-drinkers.

However, alcohol drinking does not seem to help obese people.  The study did not find any association between alcohol drinking and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The association between alcohol consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in overweight and normal people still held true after adjusting for other factors potentially affecting the risk including total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, blood fat (triglycerides), smoking status, physical activity, socioeconomic status, and hypertension.

However, the effect of alcohol seems to depend on its dose.  That is, both non-drinking and heavy drinking do not seem to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The study was based on data from 5500 Maori, Pacific Island and 5500 European workers aged 40 or older.

The study was not meant to prove that alcohol drinking is the cause for the reduced risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in overweight and normal weight people.  But the possibility exists.  It should be noted, though, that alcoholic beverages are carcinogens recognized by the U.S. National Toxicology Program.  That is, it may not be a good idea to use alcohol as a preventative against type 2 diabetes mellitus.

There are many things people can do or not do to prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus. Reducing intake of sugar and saturated fat/trans fat may reduce the risk.  Taking dietary supplements such as curcumin, cinnamon and spirulina and many other healthy foods can help type 2 diabetes mellitus. 

Earlier studies have suggested that light to moderate alcohol consumption may help lower heart disease or coronary artery disease.  Doctors do not encourage people to start drinking alcohol as a measure against heart disease due to its carconogenic effect on cancers such as breast cancer. (David Liu, PHD)

Patricia A. Metcalf, Robert K. R. Scragg, and Rod Jackson  Light to Moderate Alcohol Consumption Is Protective for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Normal Weight and Overweight Individuals but Not the Obese, Journal of Obesity  Volume 2014 (2014), Article ID 634587, 8 pages