Effect of alcohol intake on symptomatic peripheral neuropathy in diabetic men

In a group of 541 white diabetic men aged 20--59 yr attending one clinic it was found that 91 (15%) drank heavily, while a further 39 (7%) had frank alcoholism. The prevalence of symptomatic peripheral neuropathy was much higher in the 120 men who drank excessively. It is considered important, therefore, when treating diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy not to assume that the diabetes itself is the cause in all cases. The alcoholic intake of the patient should be ascertained and, if excessive, it should be pointed out to the patient that this may well be the predominant factor causing symptoms.