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What is the Relationship Between Wine and Diabetes?

By Erin J. Hill
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,143
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Some studies have shown that wine and diabetes prevention and treatment are heavily linked. Research has indicated that drinking wine every day may help lower blood sugar and even prevent Type 2 diabetes in some individuals. This works due to chemicals found in the wine which break down blood glucose more efficiently.

There have not been many studies completed to link wine and diabetes, so the results are inconclusive until further research has been done. Patients who have participated in these studies have noted lowered blood sugar when compared to those who did not drink wine daily. So far it appears that the properties of wine are as effective as diabetic medications. Supporters of this type of treatment recommend drinking one glass of wine per day.

Many researchers do not believe that wine and diabetes treatments should be combined because of wine’s high calorie content. Since obesity can lead to diabetes over time, those who drink wine daily without making the necessary calorie adjustments elsewhere in their diet may gain weight and actually be more likely to develop diabetes. That said, red wine has other health benefits, such as antioxidants, which prevent cancer and promote heart health. Most studies on red wine suggest that having one serving per day is more beneficial than harmful for the majority of individuals.

There are some who should avoid drinking red wine. Those with an alcohol problem or a history of alcohol abuse should not drink even one serving of wine. Individuals who have alcoholics in their immediate family should only drink with extreme caution.

Despite the positive link between wine and diabetes, patients should not try this remedy without first consulting a medical professional. Those who have already been diagnosed with diabetes should not stop taking their medications until wine has been proven effective. If a diagnosis has not been made, no treatment should be begun without first consulting a health care professional. Other health conditions could cause similar symptoms as type two diabetes.

Studies have been done on red wine, so white wines and other varieties of alcohol may not have the same health boosting effects. Some may not be able to handle alcoholic beverages. Allergic reactions are not common but they can occur and lead to swelling, flushing, and redness. Drinking more than one daily serving of wine or any other alcoholic beverage may lead to health complications such as a dependency on alcohol or liver damage.

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Discussion Comments
By ysmina — On Aug 24, 2014

This seems to be a highly controversial topic with contradictory claims and opinions. I think the best way to go about it is to check blood sugar levels after drinking wine. Each person reacts a little bit differently. So I think that wine may be okay for one person but not okay for another. Diabetics who have a glucose meter at home can check their blood sugar levels one hour and two hours after consuming wine to see the effects. If blood sugar levels are higher than normal, obviously wine is not a good idea.

I did this and I discovered that wine does raise my blood sugar. So I personally avoid it. I have diabetes though. I have no idea what role wine plays in preventing diabetes. But I do believe that diabetes is mostly due to genetics and lifestyle. So I doubt that a single food or drink can prevent it or trigger it.

By bear78 — On Aug 23, 2014

@ZipLine-- Wine has many benefits. It's full of antioxidants and vitamins and minerals. So I think that in moderation, it's beneficial for diabetes. Of course, too much of anything is bad.

By ZipLine — On Aug 23, 2014

I don't believe that wine can prevent diabetes at all. If that had been the case, doctors wouldn't tell their diabetic patients to avoid alcohol.

I'm not an expert, but as far as I know, wine increases blood sugar rapidly. In fact, all fruit juice does. Even though this is not a problem in a healthy individual, blood sugar that rises and falls often and rapidly leads to insulin insensitivity. So insulin becomes insensitive to glucose which leads to high blood sugar. That's called type 2 diabetes.

If anything, regular wine consumption will increase the risk for diabetes. The same goes for all fermented drinks like beer.

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