Alcohol-induced alterations in blood and erythrocyte membrane in diabetics

Abstract

Three groups consisting of 12 volunteers each, of alcoholic type 2 diabetics (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, NIDDM), non-alcoholic type 2 diabetics (NIDDM) and controls (teetotallers) were selected for assessing changes in lipids of plasma and erythrocyte membranes. Significant changes in cholesterol and phospholipids were observed in alcoholic diabetics suggesting a regulatory compensatory mechanism to resist the fluidizing action of ethanol as well as rigidification of erythrocyte membrane. A significant increase in lipid peroxidation of erythrocytes was observed, indicating the damage associated with disrupted organization, structure and function of membranes in alcoholic diabetics.