Alcohol uses may increase type 2 diabetes and glucose intolerance risk, but smoking does not.

In a recent report, researchers in Japan conducted a study “to investigate the relation of alcohol use and cigarette smoking to glucose tolerance status, we performed a cross-sectional study of 3038 male officials aged 46-59 years in the Self-Defense Forces. Glucose tolerance status was determined by a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test.”

“A self-administered questionnaire was used to ascertain alcohol use, smoking habits, and other lifestyle characteristics. Statistical adjustment was made for parental history of diabetes, body mass index, and leisure-time physical activity,” wrote Y. Sakai and colleagues, Kyushu University.

They found, “Alcohol use was positively associated with impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus each. The association was dosedependent, with odds of each category of glucose intolerance increased even among those with moderate alcohol use. Cigarette smoking was not related to any categories of glucose intolerance.”

The researchers concluded, “Alcohol use may confer increased risks not only of type 2 diabetes mellitus but also of preceding glucose intolerance status. Smoking does not seem to deteriorate glucose tolerance.”

Sakai and colleagues published their study in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice (Relation of alcohol use and smoking to glucose tolerance status in Japanese men.
Diabetes Res Clin Pract, 2006;73(1):83-88).

For additional information, contact Y. Sakai, Kyushu University, Faculty Med Science, Dept. of Prevention Medical, Higashi Ku, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Fukuoka 8128582, Japan.

Publisher contact information for the journal Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice is: Elsevier Ireland Ltd., Elsevier House, Brookvale Plaza, East Park Shannon, Co. Clare, Ireland.

Keywords: Fukuoka, Japan, Alcohol, Cross Sectional Study, Diabetes, Diabetes Mellitus, Endocrinology, Glucose Intolerance, Glucose Tolerance, Japanese Men, Smoking, Type 2 Diabetes.