Long-term abstinent alcoholics have a blunted blood glucose response to 2-Deoxy-d-glucose.
OBJECTIVE
In this study we explored the relationship between alcohol and carbohydrate consumption in long-term abstinent alcoholics.


METHODS
We employed an established laboratory paradigm which allowed us to stimulate and measure dietary intake. 2-Deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG) is a glucose analogue that causes an intracellular energy deprivation resulting in exaggerated food consumption and a compensatory metabolic response to raise blood glucose. Using a double-blind design, we gave an infusion of 25 mg/kg 2-DG or placebo to 20 long-term abstinent alcoholics and 19 healthy volunteers.


RESULTS
There were no baseline differences in any dietary, behavioural or biochemical variables. As expected, 2-DG increased caloric consumption and blood glucose levels in a time-dependent fashion. There were no differences in food consumption between the alcoholics and the healthy volunteers following the 2-DG stimulus. However, the alcoholic group had a significantly blunted response in blood glucose.


CONCLUSIONS
The origin of this atypical blood glucose response may antedate the onset of alcoholism, or it may be secondary to alcohol-related damage that persists beyond 6 months. Previous accounts of increased sweet consumption in alcoholics were not substantiated, although they may be present in the peri-withdrawal period.
Umhau
John C
JC
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1610, USA.
Petrulis
Sarah G
SG
Diaz
Rosalyn
R
Riggs
Patti A
PA
Biddison
James R
JR
George
David T
DT
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000097:blood*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003847:Deoxyglucose / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005934:Glucagon / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013695:Temperance
D001786:Blood Glucose; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D007328:Insulin; D005934:Glucagon; D003847:Deoxyglucose