20 percent of alcoholics are diabetic: study

Two out of every 10 alcoholics here suffer diabetes, too, recent research suggests.

A study by Prof. Kim Dae-jin of the Catholic University on 226 male alcoholics from April-November 2009, saw 20.4 percent diagnosed with diabetes. The portion is twice that of non-alcoholics, the team said. Another 30.2 percent were diagnosed with impaired glucose tolerance, which is perceived as a step before diabetes prevalence. The team said none of them had symptoms of diabetes or blood sugar disorders before starting to heavy drinking.

Kim said diabetic alcoholics were more likely to suffer cognitive disability ― they scored low on ability to talk and concentrate.

“Excessive drinking weakens the hormone secretion by the pancreas, which elevates insulin resistance and eventually raises the risk of diabetes. Not only alcoholics, but those who enjoy drinking should watch out against the risk,” Kim said.

The finding was published in the June edition of Neuroscience Letter.

(baejisook@heraldcorp.com)