Moderate Alcohol Consumption and Insulin Sensitivity: Observations and Possible Mechanisms

Light to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular diseases. Epidemiologic studies, like our analysis of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study, suggest that moderate alcohol consumption is also associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, reported for various populations. This risk reduction may be explained by an increase in insulin sensitivity after moderate alcohol consumption. Indeed, a positive association between alcohol consumption and insulin sensitivity is consistently reported in cross-sectional studies. Mechanisms for the effect of alcohol on insulin sensitivity may include modulation of changes in the endocrine functioning of fat tissue, modulation of the inflammatory status of several organs, and/or modulation of glucose and fatty acid metabolism.