Diabetic moderate wine drinkers at lower risk of cardiovascular events and mortality

The results of the largest study on diabetes in the world showed a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and death among type 2 diabetic moderate wine drinkers.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing worldwide and is greatly influenced by lifestyle factors such as overweight and lack of exercise. In the ADVANCE (Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease) trial with more than 11,000 diabetic patients from 20 countries, including those in Eastern Europe, Asia, and established market economies in Western Europe, North America, and the Pacific region, the effects of alcohol use were examined. The outcomes over 5 years of follow up were cardiovascular disease (CVD) events (death from CVD, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke), microvascular disease (renal disease, diabetic eye disease), and all-cause mortality. It was observed that type-2 diabetics consuming wine moderately had significantly fewer CVD events, less micro-vascular complications and lower all-cause mortality. The benefits were particularly evident in participants who drank predominantly wine. However, compared to non-drinkers, those reporting heavy consumption of alcoholic beverages had a dose-dependent higher risk of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality.

Blomster JI, Zoungas S, Chalmers J, et al. The Relationship Between Alcohol Consumption and Vascular Complications and Mortality in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes Care. 2014 Feb 27. [Epub ahead of print]