OBJECTIVE. Investigate the interaction of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and lifetime history of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) on endothelium-dependent flow mediated dilation (FMD) in postmenopausal women. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS. Secondary analysis was performed on 208 Postmenopausal currently free of AUD. They were assessed for lifetime history of fully remitted AUD by psychologists using Structured Clinical Interview. T2DM was ascertained and FMD was assessed with brachial artery ultrasound according to international guidelines. RESULTS. There was a significant interaction between T2DM and lifetime AUD on FMD (p=.04). AUD was associated with greater decrements in FMD among women with T2DM compared to non-diabetic women. Women with both T2DM plus lifetime AUD showed paradoxical vasoconstriction, indicating severe endothelial dysfunction. The interaction remained significant after controlling for multiple potential confounds (p=.03). CONCLUSIONS. History of AUD in women with T2DM is associated with endothelial dysfunction. Addressing AUD in women with diabetes may benefit cardiovascular health.

Type 2 diabetes and previous alcohol use disorder interact to predict poor endothelial function in postmenopausal women.