[Neurological disorders associated with impaired glucose tolerance]

The clinical relevance of neurological disorders associated with impaired glucose tolerance(IGT) is reviewed. In this review some neurological diseases, such as, myotonic dystrophy, Crow-Fukase syndrome, Wolfram syndrome (DIDMOAD), Friedreich ataxia, spinal muscular atrophy of the Kennedy-Alter-Sung type, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson-dementia, and MELAS are discussed in relation to, glucose intolerance. Although the etiology of these disorders still remains an enigma, MELAS was caused by an A-to-G mutation at nucleotide position 3243 of the mitochondria genome. An association of "diabetic neuropathy" with IGT appears to be negative. Peripheral nerve function did not differ between IGT and control subjects, whereas autonomic nerve function deviated; an abnormal expiration to inspiration ratio of R-R interval was significantly more common in IGT than in control subjects. In conclusion, diabetes, but not IGT, is associated with peripheral nerve dysfunction.