High intake of alcohol is associated with newly diagnosed diabetes in 60 years old men and women

Abstract 

Background and aims

Low or moderate alcohol intake has been found to be protective against the incidence of diabetes, while conflicting results have been found regarding high alcohol intake. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of alcohol intake on newly diagnosed diabetes among subjects aged 60 years in relation to anthropometric measurements, life-style and socio-economic factors.

Methods and results

A population-based cross-sectional study of 4106 individuals, 1973 men and 2133 women, aged 60 years, in Stockholm County, Sweden. Medical history, socio-economic factors and life-style data were collected by a questionnaire and a medical examination including laboratory tests. High total intake of alcohol, i.e. >30g/day vs. 0–30g/day, was significantly noted more often in newly diagnosed diabetes in men (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.70–4.34), even when adjusting for other factors, i.e. anthropometric measurements, life-style, socio-economic and dietary factors (adjusted OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.17–3.23); a high intake of spirits, i.e. >15g/day vs. 0–15g/day, was significantly more often observed among women (OR 3.97, 95% CI 1.50–10.50), however, it was not significant after adjustment (OR 2.23, 95% CI 0.67–7.42).

Conclusion

High intake of alcohol among men was associated with increased risk of diabetes even when adjusting for other factors.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Alcohol intake, Sweden