Development of chronic kidney disease and alcoholic beverages

Moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages may lower risk of developing chronic kidney disease in diabetics.

An international group of scientists analysed data from an observational study to examine the association between modifiable lifestyle and social factors and the incidence and progression of early chronic kidney disease (CKD) with type 2 diabetes. 6,972 individuals were studied and important risk factors were adjusted. During the five and a half years of follow-up, 31% developed CKD and 15% died. The results indicated that besides regular physical activity, a moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages significantly decreased the CKD risk compared to non-drinkers.

Dunkler D, Kohl M, Heinze G, et al. Modifiable lifestyle and social factors affect chronic kidney disease in high-risk individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Kidney Int. 2014 Dec 10. doi: 10.1038/ki.2014.370. [Epub ahead of print]

For more information about this article, read the scientific abstract here.