Alcohol intake may reduce risk of type 2 diabetes in women

In a study sample of women, alcohol consumption was inversely associated with risk for type 2 diabetes, according to the results of a nested case-control study from the Nurses' Health Study reported in the October issue of Diabetes Care.

Researchers report that moderate alcohol consumption may be associated with a lower body mass index and less weight gain over time in women - but not in men. The lowering of risk is probably associated with a reduction in the presence of inflammatory markers, endothelial dysfunction, fasting insulin, and adiponectin concentrations that was also related to a lower body mass index.