There is no doubt that alcohol consumption and smoking increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Although studies have shown that: moderate alcohol consumption (one drink per day, about 50 ml, for women and two drinks per day, about 100 ml, for men), may actually reduce the risk of developing diabetes; the reverse is also true: that is, for those who need to consume large amounts of alcohol daily, the risk of developing diabetes is increasing. The dangers of alcohol abuse: excessive alcohol intake can lead to chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which may impair the pancreas’ ability to secrete insulin and eventually lead to the development of diabetes. The dangers of smoking: Smoking is just as harmful as drinking alcohol. Long-term smoking can cause an increase in blood sugar and lead to insulin resistance. And the more you smoke, the greater your risk of developing diabetes. Over-smokers (those who smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day) have almost twice the risk of developing diabetes as non-smokers. Therefore, friends are advised to minimize alcohol consumption and smoking, and for those who have been found to have elevated blood sugar or have been diagnosed with diabetes, they must quit smoking and avoid alcohol for the sake of their health.