Moderate Drinking Affects Risk of Diabetes

But so far, it only reduces the risk of developing diabetes among women with certain kinds of unhealthy diets.

A 26-year study has found a link between moderate drinking and diabetes. After following 80,000 women for over a quarter century, researchers found that amongst women whose diets were high in refined carbohydrates, moderate drinkers (who consumed an average of about 2 drinks per week) had a 30 per cent lower risk of developing diabetes. Researchers, note, however, that high-glycemic diets, which tend to raise blood sugar, significantly increase the risk of developing diabetes and should be avoided anyway. They also note that while alcohol may affect insulin production, heavy drinkers did not display similar benefits.