You read that headline right: According to a new study published in the journal Diabetologia, drinking alcohol, particularly wine, can help lower your chances of developing diabetes. (Excuse us while we plan tonight’s happy hour.) Danish researchers tracked data on more than 70,000 people over the course of five years and found that those who drank three to four times a week had a reduced risk of diabetes compared with those who drank fewer than one day a week. The lowest risk was observed at 14 drinks for men and 9 drinks for women, with wine appearing to have the most health benefits, thanks to polyphenols that help manage blood sugar. It’s also important to note that a higher intake of spirits showed an increased risk for women but had no effect in men. And like everything else, drinking in moderation is key—heavy alcohol consumption can lead to serious issues like cancer and liver disease. “Alcohol is associated with 50 different conditions, so we’re not saying, ‘Go ahead and drink alcohol,'” said the study’s leader, professor Janne Tolstrup from the National Institute of Public Health at the University of Southern Denmark. So invite the girls and split that bottle of vino—it’ll be easier on the wallet and better for your health.
