DIABETIC NEUROPATHY UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF CHRONIC ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

Abstract

Numerous studies regarding the association between diabetes and chronic alcohol consumption have approached various aspects such as the effects of alcohol on the control of blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, alcohol consumption and the increased risk for developing and exacerbating diabetes related chronic complications- retinopathy and neuropathy. In addition, there are also studies which have investigated adverse reactions and medical interactions in alcoholics who are under treatment with oral antidiabetic drugs or insulin, and alterations of lipid metabolism in the same category of patients. Peripheral neuropathy occurs when both the sensory and the motor nerves are damaged. Diabetes and alcoholism are the two most common causes of peripheral neuropathy. In non-alcoholic diabetic patients the prevalence of symptomatic peripheral neuropathy increases with disease duration. However, in diabetic patients with a history of chronic alcohol comsumption studies have demonstrated a greater prevalence of symptomatic peripheral neuropathy. This increase in prevalence was most apparent in patients with a disease duration of less than four years. The following case study is suggestive of the above mentioned data- diabetes and alcohol predispose patients to peripheral nerve injuries and can enhance each other's effects in terms of causing nerve damage.