Alcohol use behaviors, fat intake and the function of pancreatic β-cells in non-obese, healthy Korean males: Findings from 2010 Korea national health and nutrition examination survey

Aims: In the present study, we aimed to identify dietary factors related to insulin secretion function especially in healthy, non-obese Korean males. Methods: Data were obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V-1 (KNHANES V-1). Nine hundred and twenty male adults aged >30 years of normal weight were included, excluding those with type 2 diabetes mellitus and liver disease. Alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) score which represents alcohol use behaviors and nutrient intakes was used, and homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-B score) was calculated. Results: HOMA-B score was associated with age (p < 0.001), AUDIT score (p = 0.030), and percentage of fat from total energy intake (p = 0.002). HOMA-B scores in the problematic AUDIT group were significantly lower than those in the normal AUDIT group. In addition, HOMA-B scores in the lowest fat intake group were significantly lower than those in the medium fat intake group, but similar to those in the highest fat intake group. There was an interaction between alcohol use behaviors and percentage of fat from energy intake in determining HOMA-B score (p for interaction = 0.034). Conclusions: Alcohol use behaviors and percentage of fat from energy intake were found to be associated with HOMA-B score in healthy, non-obese Korean males.