### Potential Health Benefits of Migraines While experiencing a migraine, it might be hard to believe that there could be any positive aspects to it. However, research has suggested some potential benefits associated with migraines, including a possible link to our evolution as a species. #### Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes A French study involving nearly 75,000 women over a period of 10 years found that those who had active migraines were one-third less likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to those without migraines. However, this protective benefit only lasted as long as the migraines were active. Once the migraines improved, the risk of developing diabetes returned to normal levels. Researchers are not entirely sure why people with migraines are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. One theory is that high blood sugar levels might prevent the onset of a headache. Another possibility is that the protective effect is related to CGRP, a protein molecule involved in both type 2 diabetes and migraines. #### Reduced Alcohol Consumption Migraines may also help protect against developing alcoholism. Studies have shown that people with migraines tend to consume less alcohol than those with tension headaches. This could be because alcohol is a common trigger for migraines, with about one-third of migraine sufferers reporting that alcohol can occasionally trigger their headaches. #### Evolutionary Advantages There are also theories suggesting that migraines may have provided some evolutionary advantages. Although it might seem counterintuitive, some theories propose that the debilitating nature of migraines could have helped our ancestors survive in certain situations. While these theories have some supporting data, more research is needed to confirm them. In summary, while migraines are undoubtedly painful and disruptive, understanding these potential benefits might make them a bit more bearable.