Type 2 Diabetes And Wine: Is A Little Actually Good For Patients?

First Posted: Oct 13, 2015 06:31 PM EDT
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New findings published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine show that drinking red wine may help some with type 2 diabetes manage both high cholesterol and cardiac issues.

In this recent study, researchers examined the effects and safety on initiating moderate alcohol consumption in diabetic patients and looked to determine if the type of wine consumed made a difference.

Health officials know that red wine contains an abundant amount of polyphenols, or micronutrients, that have been shown to help prevent the risk of certain degenerative disease. So, based on the findings, they concluded that moderate wine intake can be safe for patients when consumed as part of a healthy diet--helping to decrease cardio-metabolic risk.

In this recent study, 224 participants between the ages of 45 to 75 gave blood samples at the beginning of the research period and then again at six and 24 months. They were also required to complete electronic questionnaires that collected data on demographics, medications, lifestyle patterns, symptoms and overall quality of life.

Meanwhile, participants were consuming 5 ounces of either red or white wine at dinner. They were also all given instructions to follow a well-balanced Mediterranean diet plan. Participants who drank wine at dinner were asked to return empty bottles as an additional form of measurement, while those in the control group received an mineral water.

The researchers performed genetic tests to determine how quickly the participants metabolized alcohol, as well as lipid tests for cholesterol. Findings revealed that those who drank red wine showed greater improvements than those in the group who drank water.

"Red wine was found to be superior in improving overall metabolic profiles, mainly by modestly improving the lipid profile, by increasing good HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1, one of the major constituents of HDL cholesterol, while decreasing the ratio between total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol," the researchers explained, via CBS News.

Yet researchers also discovered that for particpants in both the red and white wine groups, those who were "slow alcohol metablizers" showed more improvements regarding glucose control than "fast alcohol metabolizers."

Lastly, the study authors note that the potential benefits of drinking wine should also be weighed against any potential risks, according to Medical News Today.

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