Many studies have examined the effects of alcohol intake on blood sugar control. These have subsequently been pooled and meta-analyzed to arrive at a more reliable conclusion.
A 2015 meta-analysis that looked at 14 studies on humans found that moderate alcohol consumption improves blood sugar control (it lowers HbA1c). Moreover, the analysis found that alcohol consumption increases insulin sensitivity in women.1
A 2006 meta-analysis found that type 2 diabetics who consume moderate amounts of alcohol have a lower risk of dying each year, compared to alcohol abstainers.2
Another study on type 2 diabetics found that moderate alcohol consumers had a lower risk of new or worsening diabetic kidney disease or eye disease (retinopathy), and a lower risk of death, compared to alcohol abstainers. The effects were larger for those who drank mostly wine.3
Heavy alcohol consumption leads to a greater risk of death each year, however,3 and should be avoided.
The question of alcohol consumption should also take into account the risk of accidents and addiction.
Nevertheless, for those who already drink low or moderate amounts of alcohol, it doesn’t seem to be a problem for blood sugar control or type 2 diabetes in general.
- Schrieks IC, Heil AL, Hendriks HF, Mukamal KJ, Beulens JW. The Effect of Alcohol Consumption on Insulin Sensitivity and Glycemic Status: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Intervention Studies. Diabetes Care. Apr;38(4):723-732.
- Koppes LL, Dekker JM, Hendriks HF, Bouter LM, Heine RJ. Meta-analysis of the relationship between alcohol consumption and coronary heart disease and mortality in type 2 diabetic patients. Diabetologia. Apr 2006;49(4):648-652.
- Blomster JI, Zoungas S, Chalmers J, et al. The relationship between alcohol consumption and vascular complications and mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. May;37(5):1353-1359