Alcohol and the NIDDM Patient

Historically, alcohol use by the diabetic patient has been controversial. Recent studies in the general population have shown an improvement in mortality with moderate alcohol intake (one to three drinks per day). This improved mortality is greatest in those individuals who have a higher risk of ischemic heart disease. The mechanisms of the beneficial effects of alcohol include positive effects on insulin resistance, HDL cholesterol, platelet aggregation, and fibrinolysis. Since the diabetic patient has an especially high risk of ischemic heart disease because of these factors, the use of a moderate amount of alcohol should not be discouraged. The short-term risks of heavy or continuous alcohol intake include hypoglycemia, glucose intolerance, and ketone and lactate accumulation. In the long term, heavy alcohol intake is associated with an increased prevalence of cancer, hypertension, cirrhosis of the liver, and symptomatic neuropathy. Moderate alcohol intake taken with a meal has been shown to have little or no effect on postprandial glycemic excursions.