Background:
Moderate alcohol consumption has been reported to be associated with lower risk for diabetes with some studies showing a U-shaped association. Whether and how the association might differ by gender or obesity status is controversial.
Objective:
To evaluate the prospective association between alcohol consumption and the long-term risk of diabetes in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.
Methods:
A prospective analysis of 11,263 ARIC participants without prevalent diabetes (55% women, 81%white, mean age 54 years). Alcohol consumption was assessed at visit 1 (1987-1989). Participants were followed-up for incident diabetes defined by fasting glucose more than 126 mg/dL, non-fasting glucose more than 200 mg/dL, self-reported diagnosis of diabetes or use of diabetic medication. We used Cox models to estimate hazard ratios of diabetes risk by drinking categories in women and men, respectively.
Results:
During a median follow-up of 21 years, there were 3518 incident diabetes cases. In the fully adjusted model, compared to never drinkers, among women, 7-14 drinks/week was associated with a significantly lower risk of diabetes; whereas among men, 14-21 drinks/week was associated with a significantly lower risk (
Table
). There was a significant interaction between drinking categories and smoking status or between drinking categories and body mass index in women. Among women, a U-shaped association was mainly present among non-smokers, and significant decreasing risk is only found among normal-weight and overweight participants, but not obese participants.
Conclusion:
Low levels of alcohol intake (1-2 drinks per day for women and 2-3 drinks per day for men) are inversely associated with diabetes risk. The association is modified by smoking and body mass index in women.
Alcohol consumption and ultrasonographically assessed carotid artery wall thickness and distensibility. The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study Investigators.