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Moderate Drinking Linked To Lower Diabetes Risk
Mon, 28 Nov 2011
Drinking a moderate amount of alcohol may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition .

Over a 26-year period, researchers studied more than 80,000 middle-aged women with high-glycemic diets - those high in refined carbohydrates.

They found that the female participants who consumed the most refined carbs, such as breads, mashed potatoes, breakfast cereals and whose diets were heavy in meat, were at the highest risk of developing diabetes.

However, they also discovered that those who also consumed a moderate amount of alcohol (not more than 15 grams or roughly half an ounce worth each day) had a 30 per cent lower risk of type 2 diabetes compared to non-drinkers with similar diets .

Senior author Dr. Frank Hu, who studies nutrition at the Boston-based school, said while the findings do not prove that drinking alcoholic beverages can help protect the body against this disease, doing so could trigger the body to release insulin and other substances that can p a person’s blood sugar levels from spiking after a meal.

He said: "If you eat a high carb diet without drinking alcohol, your risk of developing diabetes is increased by 30 per cent."

"However, if you eat a high carb diet, but (drink) a moderate amount of alcohol, the increased risk is reduced."

Hu and his colleagues stressed, however, that their study should not encourage people to start drinking if they do not do so now.
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