Moderate Drinking May Cut Diabetes Risk
MIAMI (CBS4) - If you've ever struggled to find a reason why you're drinking a moderate amount of alcohol, new research has your answer.
A new study found drinking moderate amounts can help lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes. The study followed 38 thousand men who didn't have diabetes or cancer and monitored their drinking habits over the years.
After four years, the light drinkers who increased their alcohol consumption to moderate levels (roughly 5 to 29.9 grams a day) had a significantly lower level of Type 2 diabetes, according to a report from the Baltimore Sun.
The study also found that consistently moderate drinkers had a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes than light drinkers.
But, 30 grams seemed to be the cut-off point for the benefits of drinking. Researchers found no additional decrease in risk for Type 2 diabetes for those who drank more than 30 grams, according to the Sun's report.
The study appears in the January issue of the journal Diabetes. The authors warned that people shouldn't run and begin drinking more until they've weighed the "full range of risks and benefits to an individual."
