Diabetic neuropathic cachexia associated with malabsorption

Diabetic neuropathic cachexia is characterized by neuropathic pain and severe weight loss of unknown aetiology. We describe four patients with diabetic neuropathic cachexia who were found to have malabsorption. Four diabetic patients presented with neuropathic pain, anorexia, depression and weight loss of 16 (range 10-21) kg. None complained of diarrhoea. There were three males and one female, median age 54 (46-67) years. A butterfat test showed a serum turbidity difference of 9 (6-10) light scattering units (normal greater than 60 units). The median serum xylose was low and there was delayed urinary xylose excretion. Urinary indicans, small bowel histology, liver function tests, and thyroid and renal function were normal. Ultrasound scans of liver, gall bladder and pancreas, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram were normal. The patients were treated with pancreatic supplements and a high calorie diet. Three have completely recovered and the other patient is improving. Thus these cases of diabetic neuropathic cachexia appeared to be associated with malabsorption which may be due to pancreatic dysfunction. It is suggested that the management of diabetic neuropathic cachexia should include the investigation and treatment of malabsorption.