Type 2 Diabetes Risk Lower Among Moderate Drinkers

A study of 35,000 20- to 70-year-olds in the Netherlands found that moderate alcohol consumption — in conjunction with a variety of healthy lifestyle choices — was associated with a 40-percent reduction in risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Reuters reported May 26 that the protective effect held as long as study subjects also met at least three of four healthy-lifestyle conditions: obesity prevention, adequate exercise, not smoking, and a balanced diet. The moderate drinkers were less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes compared to abstainers who adopted similar healthy behaviors.

The researchers defined moderate drinking as consuming one daily drink for women and up to two per day for men.

The study from the Dutch research group TNO is published in the June 2010 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.