Association Between Alcohol Consumption, Other Healthy Habits and Sociodemographic Variables and the Values of Different Insulin Resistance Risk Scales in 139,634 Spanish Workers.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to examine the association between sociodemographic variables, health habits (including alcohol consumption), and the risk of insulin resistance (IR) using validated metabolic indices.
Results Summary
Alcohol consumption exhibited a dose-dependent relationship with IR, with excessive intake significantly increasing IR risk. Sociodemographic factors (e.g., age, male sex, lower socioeconomic status) and unhealthy lifestyle habits (e.g., smoking, physical inactivity) further exacerbated IR risk, particularly in longitudinal follow-up.
Population
139,634 Spanish workers (cross-sectional) and 40,431 participants (longitudinal), with data on age, sex, socioeconomic status, and health habits.
Effective Dosage
Not explicitly quantified, but excessive alcohol consumption was linked to higher IR risk.
Duration
Retrospective longitudinal follow-up from 2009–2019 (10 years).
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
alcohol consumption | increase | insulin resistance (IR) risk | Spanish workers | - | significantly associated with higher IR risk | #1 |
excessive alcohol intake | increase | insulin resistance (IR) | Spanish workers | - | significantly increasing the risk | #2 |
smoking | increase | insulin resistance (IR) risk | Spanish workers | - | significantly associated with higher IR risk | #3 |
physical inactivity | increase | insulin resistance (IR) risk | Spanish workers | - | significantly associated with higher IR risk | #4 |
low adherence to the Mediterranean diet | increase | insulin resistance (IR) risk | Spanish workers | - | significantly associated with higher IR risk | #5 |
age | increase | insulin resistance (IR) risk | Spanish workers | - | significantly associated with higher IR risk | #6 |
male sex | increase | insulin resistance (IR) risk | Spanish workers | - | significantly associated with higher IR risk | #7 |
lower socioeconomic status | increase | insulin resistance (IR) risk | Spanish workers | - | significantly associated with higher IR risk | #8 |
Background: Alcohol consumption is a major public health concern, influencing metabolic health and insulin resistance (IR). While moderate alcohol intake has been associated with potential metabolic benefits, excessive consumption is linked to IR and related disorders. This study examines the association between sociodemographic variables, health habits, and IR risk using validated metabolic indices. Methods: A dual-phase study was conducted, including a cross-sectional analysis of 139,634 Spanish workers and a retrospective longitudinal follow-up of 40,431 participants (2009-2019). Data on sociodemographic factors (age, sex and socioeconomic status) and health habits (smoking, alcohol consumption, diet and physical activity) were collected through standardized occupational health assessments. IR risk was assessed using the Triglyceride-Glucose Index (TyG), Metabolic Score for Insulin Resistance (METS-IR), and Single-Point Insulin Sensitivity Estimator (SPISE-IR). Binary logistic regression was used for statistical analysis. Results: Age, male sex, lower socioeconomic status, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and low adherence to the Mediterranean diet were significantly associated with higher IR risk across all indices (p < 0.001). Alcohol consumption exhibited a dose-dependent relationship with IR, with excessive intake significantly increasing the risk of IR. Longitudinal data revealed a worsening IR profile over time, particularly among older, low-income and physically inactive individuals. Conclusions: Sociodemographic factors and lifestyle habits strongly influence IR. Preventive strategies focused on reducing alcohol consumption, smoking cessation and promoting physical activity and dietary improvements are essential to mitigate the risk of IR, especially in vulnerable populations. Further longitudinal studies are needed to establish causal relationships and refine intervention strategies.