In our studies, we've found that alcoholic beverage consumed alone reduced both glucose and insulin levels in lean young healthy subjects. This was the case with beer, wine, or liquor. Beer contains some carbohydrate, but the amount present is small, and the initial rise in blood glucose levels is followed by a return to baseline levels and below. When the drinks were served with a carbohydrate meal, glucose and insulin responses were again lower compared with the meal given with water. These findings are not surprising, because it is well known that alcohol inhibits the production of new glucose molecules in the liver. In fact, after a heavy night of drinking, people can wake up with such low glucose levels that their exercise performance is compromised. In people with diabetes taking insulin, severe life-threatening hypoglycemia can develop if they consume a few drinks without an accompanying meal or snack.

Alcoholic beverages have also been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Those who drink one to three standard drinks a day have lower risk than teetotalers. However, with consumption of five or more drinks, risk again increases. Scientists have found that alcohol increases levels of the good cholesterol, HDL. But some of the favorable effect could be due to lowering of blood glucose and insulin levels.

Our take home message: Drink in moderation, if at all — zero to three drinks per day, with one or two alcohol free days per week.

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