Atherosclerosis, alcohol and diabetes

Diabetes is a known risk factor of atherosclerosis, moderate consumption of alcohol was reported to reduce the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This review presents information on the possible mechanisms of the antiatherogenic effect of alcohol and data of the effect of moderate alcohol drinking on the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Red wine contains polyphenols with an antioxidant effect, alcohol is metabolized to acetaldehyde which was proved to inhibit the formation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) and lipoprotein oxidation. Diabetic patients may benefit from moderate consumption of alcohol beverages only if the risk of hypoglycemia is safely excluded.