There is some good news for people who are diabetic in keeping their condition under control with the help of red wine. About a study conducted by researchers from the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Science in Vienna, red wine is loaded with high concentrations of compounds that help in blood sugar regulation. The researchers claimed that you needed only a small glass of red wine every day to offer the active ingredients that serve as the anti-diabetic drug. The report that was released in the Daily Mail said that although the study didn’t look at the effects of wine on people, when consumed moderately as a part of the healthy and calorie controlled diet, it can help in preventing type-2 diabetes.
Diabetes Statistics
About the World Health Organization, more than 220 million across the globe have diabetes with 90% of them having Type-2 Diabetes, which is mainly caused by excess body weight and lack of exercise.
Excess blood sugar can make you weak and prone to conditions like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage and blindness.
Active Ingredients in Red Wine
Previous studies have shown natural ingredients in red wine and grape referred to as polyphenols, which can help in regulating glucose levels in the blood. Also, polyphenols have been shown to be effective in preventing spikes and dips in blood sugar.
According to the new study, red wine contains the highest amount of polyphenols. These compounds interact with human body cells, targeting a particular receptor referred to as PAR-gamma, which plays the main role in regulating the development of fat cells, storage of energy and regulation of blood sugar.
Mode of Action
The new study found out that polyphenols contained in red wine bind to the receptor cell to produce the same effect as diabetes treatment cure drugs such as Avandia. And you don’t have to drink a whole bottle of red wine, but only a small glass will give you enough polyphenols to rival the activity potent diabetes medication.
Study Claims
Findings from this study that were reported in the Royal Society of Chemistry journal Food and Function claimed that moderate use of red wine has the potential benefits to diabetic patients. Alois Jungbauer, a professor and lead researcher, said that you can derive a natural extract from grape skins to help in treating diabetes. He added that this is further scientific evidence that regular consumption of a small amount of wine is indeed beneficial to your overall well being.
Previous Studies
Studies in the past have demonstrated that moderate consumption of alcohol can help in lowering the risk of type-2 diabetes, according to Jungbauer. He also said that moderate daily wine consumption is same as a glass for women, and two for men.
However, Jungbauer noted that the greatest challenge they are facing is in conveying the message of adopting a healthy lifestyle as excess consumption of wine can cause obesity or diabetes. He recommended that if you drink wine, then you must cut down your calorie intake from food with the same amount.
Critics Reactions
However, these findings received criticisms from other health experts, including Dr. Iain Frame, director of research of Diabetes UK, who accused the Austrian researchers of coming up with “astonishing bold suggestions” yet their research was limited. He noted that it was very hard to see the impact of such a limited research in people living with type-2 diabetes, indicating that it might not have any benefit.
Dr. Frame said that the assumption is fundamentally wrong according to the evidence that was presented in the research, warning that wine is loaded with calories that can cause weight gain and outweigh the benefits of polyphenols.
Managing Diabetes
If you are diabetic, there and dietary and lifestyle changes you can adopt to regulate the condition. You can also prevent the onset of diabetes through various ways including:
- Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables
- Exercising regularly
- Use of diabetes treatment cures medications
- Avoid excessive use of alcohol
- Staying well hydrated throughout the day
- Stop smoking
- Getting adequate sleep every night
Conclusion
Red wine contains polyphenols that are chemicals that help in regulating sugar content in cells. Consuming only a small amount will offer enough of these chemicals to help prevent type-2 diabetes. However, red wine should not be used in place of prescribed medication, and excessive use can lead to weight gain or trigger development of diabetes. More research is still required to help identify the right amount of red wine you should have in a day to keep diabetes under control. Drink responsibly!
References
- https://www.consumerhealthdigest.com/general-health/diabetes.html
- http://wonderwoman.intoday.in/story/glass-of-red-wine-daily-may-help-fight-diabetes/1/87852.html
