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 The researchers used data collected from 11,140 patients enrolled in the ADVANCE- trial and obtained baseline information about participants’ alcohol consumption by self-reporting, which co-related with the average number of alcohol drinks consumed in a week by the participants. The beverages consumed were further sub-divided into wine, beer or spirits. The data was collected for a 24-month period followed by a final study visit.
The extent of alcohol consumption was classified at baseline as nil, moderate or heavy. Heavy consumption was defined as more than 21 drinks per week for men and more than 14 drinks per week for women; moderate consumption was defined as 21 or fewer drinks per week for men and 14 or fewer alcoholic drinks per week for women.
Using the statistical adjustments the researchers discovered on the 5-year follow up that the teetotaler patients had 1031 (9%) deaths, 1147 (10% Cardio Vascular events (CV) and 1136 (10%) micro vascular events and mortality.
Patients who drank moderately had fewer CV events. Patients who mainly drank wine experienced the most pronounced benefits. The benefits seen with moderate consumption did not appear to extend to heavy consumption. Compared with those who reported no alcohol intake, patients who reported heavy drinking had dose-dependent increased risks for CV events and all-cause mortality.
The researchers said although these findings do not seem to be explicable through any other co-associated lifestyle or risk factors, they do not equate to causality. They added that the potential benefits must be factored against possible adverse effects of alcohol, such as increased hypoglycemia risk for hepatic complications and increased risk for certain cancers.
“In light of these caveats, it would be premature to make any firm clinical recommendations regarding alcohol consumption by patients with type 2 diabetes,” the researchers write.
“Nevertheless, the current study finds no grounds to discourage mild to moderate alcohol consumption, at least in terms of its vascular effects.”
The Report does not specify the size of the drinks. In absence of such parameters it may be presumed that each drink comprises 125 mL of wine (equivalent of 6 glasses/bottle) and 12.5% alcohol. Women are always advised to drink a glass less due to the increased risk of alcohol on breast cancer.
The Study is the first and the largest of its kind and transparent enough to concede that many of the researchers report receiving lecture fees and/or travel expenses and grant support from Servier.
The Study supports the advisory by delWine that 2 drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women may not be harmful and is good for health. We also recommend the diabetic patients to stick to dry wine (most reds are dry and have higher anti-oxidants) and not consume white sweet wines. In any event, advice from your personal physician who knows more about your vitals is highly recommended-editor |