Association between alcohol consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes

Heavy alcohol consumption is a known risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D); However, the moderating effect of fasting plasma glucose levels remains unclear. A study explored the relationship between alcohol intake and T2D risk across fasting plasma glucose strata in a Japanese cohort.
Data from 15,453 participants in the NAGALA cohort were analysed over 5 years. Baseline assessments included alcohol consumption and fasting plasma glucose, categorising individuals into elevated fasting plasma glucose (100-125 mg/dL) and normal fasting plasma glucose (< 100 mg/dL). Alcohol intake levels and T2D risk were assessed, stratified by fasting plasma glucose. Among elevated fasting plasma glucose individuals, heavy drinkers (Men > 280 g/week, Women > 140 g/week) had an 88% increased T2D risk (HR 1.88, 95% CI 1.24-2.84). Conversely, in normal fasting plasma glucose, heavy alcohol intake did not significantly affect T2D risk (HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.48-2.53). Men with elevated fasting plasma glucose and heavy alcohol intake had an HR of 1.83 (95% CI 1.08-3.08), supported by propensity score matching (HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.13-3.34). No significant relationships were found in normal fasting plasma glucose. Heavy alcohol consumption significantly raised T2D risk in Japanese men with elevated fasting plasma glucose but not in women or those with normal fasting plasma glucose. Further studies are warranted for validation and gender-specific insights.
Source: Huang, YZ., Luo, F., Ran, X. et al. Association between alcohol consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes in Japan: a population-base longitudinal cohort study. Science Report, 15:630, 2025