A recent study conducted by the University College London has revealed that a single night of heavy binge-drinking increases the likelihood of developing alcohol-related cirrhosis (ARC), a stage of liver disease. The study, which focused on the pattern of alcohol consumption rather than just the volume, found that binge-drinking, genetic predisposition, and type-2 diabetes are all significant factors in determining the risk of developing ARC.

The research team analyzed data from 312,599 active alcoholic drinkers in the United Kingdom to assess the impact of various factors on the likelihood of developing liver disease. Dr. Linda Ng Fat, a first author of the study from UCL Epidemiology and Public Health, explained that their approach offered a more accurate indicator of liver disease risk than considering volume alone.

Dr. Fat stated, "We took a different approach by focusing on the pattern of drinking and found that this was a better indicator of liver disease risk than volume alone. The other key finding was that the more risk factors involved, the higher the 'excess risk' due to the interaction of these factors."

The study revealed that individuals who engage in heavy binge-drinking, consuming 12 units of alcohol in a day, are three times more likely to develop ARC. Those with a high genetic predisposition face a four times higher risk, while individuals with type-2 diabetes have a risk twice as high.

Additionally, the study found that individuals who engage in binge-drinking while also having a genetic predisposition are six times more likely to develop ARC. These findings highlight the importance of considering both the volume and pattern of alcohol consumption, as well as individual risk factors, in assessing the risk of liver disease.

Pamela Healy, Chief Executive of the British Liver Trust, emphasized the significance of this study, stating that the manner in which people drink alcohol is crucial. She noted, "This research is important because it reveals that it's not just how much you drink overall, but the way that you drink matters. Drinking a lot, quickly, or drinking to get drunk can have serious consequences for your liver health."

The implications of this study underline the importance of promoting responsible alcohol consumption and raising awareness about the potential risks associated with excessive binge-drinking. It serves as a reminder that moderation is key to maintaining liver health and minimizing the risk of developing alcohol-related cirrhosis.