Alcohol and Noncommunicable Diseases: Part II Cancer, Diabetes Mellitus, Kidney Diseases, Alzheimer’s Disease, Arthritis

Abstract

Excessive alcohol consumption is common. It leads to the development of several NCDs and is associated with considerable disability and high mortality. Its intake has been linked with an increase in many cancers, including the common breast and prostate cancer. Light-to-moderate drinking is associated with a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes, but excessive alcohol consumption leads to increased morbidity and mortality in these patients. Compared with no consumption, moderate consumption of alcohol-associated with a reduced risk of CKD. However, the association with heavy alcohol intake and CKD is not clear, although it also appears to be overall inverse in nature. Excessive alcohol intake also targets the brain and promotes AD – although mild to moderate intake may be safe. Alcohol consumption is negatively associated with the prevalence of knee OA. There appears to be an inverse association between alcohol consumption and RA incidence. Alcohol consumption, usually when taken in more than a moderate amount. may also trigger gout. In general, alcohol intake in low to moderate amounts appears to be safe for NCDs described in this communication, except for cancer, where no amount is a safe amount.