Drinking Alcohol and Diabetes: Separating Fact from Fiction

When you drink a lot of alcohol, how come you don’t get diabetes?

Most people have never asked themselves this question.

Though alcohol consumption may not directly cause diabetes, it can and often does contribute to the condition.

In fact, alcohol consumption is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cancer, and is itself a carcinogen.

The thing is, though, that just because alcohol can be harmful to your health doesn’t mean you have to give it up entirely.

Having a drink occasionally can improve your standard of living.

Obviously, use it wisely and don’t let it consume your life.

However, for some, alcohol quickly becomes more than just a social thing.

Alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a large body of scientific research.

The risk of developing type 2 diabetes was found to be higher in women who drank moderately to heavily, according to research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

According to another study published in Diabetes Care, even moderate alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Keep in mind that these results do not prove that alcohol consumption causes diabetes.

They do, however, hint at a connection between alcohol consumption and the onset of disease.

For this reason, those who partake in alcoholic beverages should do so with caution and understanding of the risks involved.

This may entail cutting down on alcohol consumption, especially on a regular basis, and keeping in mind other risk factors for diabetes, like a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits.

By following these safety measures, people can cut their chances of developing diabetes without giving up their occasional alcoholic beverage.

Those who are less cautious and practice alcoholic behavior tend to let alcohol control every aspect of their lives.

Having even one drink can be fatal if you have survived liver failure or have cirrhosis that has progressed to its later stages.

In sum, it is possible to drink alcohol without developing diabetes, but only if your aware of the risks and use alcohol in moderation.

If you or someone you know is looking for guidance and encouragement on your sobriety journey, websites like Beyond Sober can be invaluable resources.

-Kohdi