Scientists from Wake Forest School of Medicine report that alcohol consumption may raise the risk of high blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes, particularly at moderate and heavy levels of drinking.
The findings were published in the Journal of the American Heart Association and were led by Jonathan J. Mayl and colleagues.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body regulates blood sugar.
In this condition, the body either does not produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to its effects. Common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, fatigue, and blurred vision, although some people experience few or no symptoms.
Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, along with medications and, in some cases, insulin therapy.
Previous research has clearly linked heavy alcohol consumption to an increased risk of high blood pressure. However, the effects of moderate drinking on blood pressure—especially among people with type 2 diabetes—have remained uncertain.
In the new study, researchers sought to clarify the relationship between alcohol intake and blood pressure in adults with type 2 diabetes. They analyzed data from 10,200 participants enrolled in the ACCORD trial (Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes), a large, long-running clinical trial focused on cardiovascular outcomes in people with diabetes.
Participants were grouped based on their reported alcohol consumption: none, light drinking (1–7 drinks per week), moderate drinking (8–14 drinks per week), and heavy drinking (15 or more drinks per week). Blood pressure levels were classified according to American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines as normal, elevated, stage 1 high blood pressure, or stage 2 high blood pressure.
The analysis showed that light alcohol consumption was not associated with increased blood pressure or with any stage of high blood pressure. In contrast, moderate alcohol intake was linked to higher blood pressure as well as an increased likelihood of both stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension. Heavy alcohol consumption was also associated with elevated blood pressure and higher rates of stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension.
Overall, the findings suggest that even moderate alcohol drinking may raise blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes, potentially increasing their risk of heart disease. The researchers also observed a dose–response relationship, meaning that higher alcohol intake was associated with progressively higher blood pressure levels.
The study adds to growing evidence that people with type 2 diabetes may need to be particularly cautious about alcohol consumption, even at levels often considered moderate, to protect their cardiovascular health.
