Alcohol & Insulin Levels

Here's more evidence that drinking alcohol in moderation can have a positive impact on human health--alcohol may improve insulin sensitivity. After studying mice that were fed either water or ethanol, researchers found that alcohol consumption improved insulin sensitivity compared with the control group. Insulin sensitivity is a protective factor against insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance means your cells have become less sensitive to the effects of insulin, the hormone secreted by the pancreatic gland which helps glucose (from food) to enter cells where it is turned into energy. Insulin resistance causes the pancreas to over-compensate by working harder and releasing even more insulin. By improving insulin sensitivity your body has to release less insulin to control blood sugar levels, thus not working as hard.