
People With Type 2 Diabetes May Benefit From Drinking Red Wine In The Context Of A Healthy, Mediterranean Diet
The benefits of moderate alcohol consumption have been heavily debated, perhaps no more so than when experts are considering red wine. Compared to white wine, red wine has more phenols — a smaller version of the antioxidant compound known as polyphenols. The latter are what some experts believe helps reduce chronic disease risk, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. So it would stand to reason that an occasional glass or two of Pinot could be part of a healthy lifestyle. And among people with type 2 diabetes, it very well may be, according to a new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
An international group of researchers found that within the context of a healthy diet — in this study it was the Mediterranean diet — drinking dry red wine can help control cholesterol and blood glucose (sugar) levels; that is, it can control levels under certain conditions. The diabetic men and women aged 40 to 75 that were recruited to participate in this two-year trial had previously abstained from alcohol and were found to have their diabetes under control. Abstaining meant participants drank alcohol once per week — any more and they were excluded.
At the start of the study, and again at six and 24 months, participants gave blood samples and completed electronic questionnaires, which "collected data on demographics, lifestyle patterns, any medications they were taking, symptoms, and quality of life." All the while participants were consuming 150 milliliters, or 5 ounces, of their assigned beverage with their dinner. The patients assigned to consume wine were ins
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