Prevent diabetes tip – limit your alcohol intake

Prevent diabetes tip – limit your alcohol intake

Type2 diabetes is a chronic disease caused due to high sugar levels in the blood. One of the main reasons for increase in your high blood sugar levels is excess alcohol intake in addition to an unhealthy and sedentary lifestyle. Several studies have proved that the risk of diabetes and its associated health complication is high among heavy drinkers. [1]

Many people are unaware of the fact that consuming too much alcohol leads to weight gain and obesity, which in turn increases your risk of diabetes. Heavy drinking raises your blood levels of triglyceride (type of body fat) along with increasing your blood pressure levels in the body, both of which are closely related to diabetes. In case you are prediabetic, regular consumption of alcohol may cause your blood sugar levels to rise and you may soon develop diabetes.

Some studies have indicated that moderate alcohol intake lowers your risk of type2 diabetes. [2] In case you already consume alcohol, the key to prevent diabetes is to drink in moderation. Men should consume not more than two drinks per day and women should restrict themselves to not more than one drink per day. For people who don’t drink, the risk is comparatively lower than in alcoholics. In order to further lower your risk of diabetes, follow a healthy diet plan and indulge in exercises.

References:

    Hu FB. Globalization of diabetes: the role of diet, lifestyle, and genes. Diabetes Care. 2011 Jun;34(6):1249-57. doi: 10.2337/dc11-0442. PubMed PMID: 21617109; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3114340.
     Marion J. Franz, MS, RD, CDE. The Evidence Is In: Lifestyle Interventions Can Prevent Diabetes. doi: 10.1177/1559827606297516. American Journal Of Lifestyle Medicine March/April 2007 vol. 1 no. 2 113-121.