Moderate alcohol may be beneficial for diabetics

Inclusion Criteria:

• Established diagnosis of type 2 diabetes
• Male or female alcohol abstainers (not more than 1 drink/week)
• Age between 40-75 yrs
• Clinically stable, with no history of stroke or myocardial infarction or major surgery within the previous 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• The use of RI or short-acting analog insulin/ pump therapy. Patients on 1-2 injections per day of NPH or long-acting analogs will be eligible for inclusion
• Triglycerides > 500 mg/dL
• HbA1c<7 or > 10%
• Serum creatinine > 2 mg/dl
• Liver dysfunction (greater than 2-fold elevation of ALT or and 3-fold elevation of AST)
• Evidence of severe diabetes complications (such as proliferative retinopathy or overt nephropathy)
• Autonomic neuropathy manifested as postural hypotension or hypoglycemia unawareness
• Patients with chronic hepatitis (C,B)
• Use of drugs that might significantly interact with alcohol such as sedatives, antihistamines, and anti-coagulants
• Presence of active cancer, or chemotherapy within the past 3 years
• Major illness that may require hospitalization
• A high potential of addictive behavior based on physician's assessment or personal or family history of addiction, alcoholism, or alcohol abuse
• Pregnant or lactating woman
• Participation in another trial with active intervention