I was diagnosed with Dupuytren's Contracture a few years ago - pre BC. The medicos could not give me a definitive answer as to the cause but the family history of diabetes and possible Irish background (this could be the case as my immediate grandparents were from the UK) were the likely culprits. At the time I was told a local priest, a heavy drinker, had it from his alcohol abuse. His fingers were very bent up. I massage my hand regularly and try to make sure the fingers don't get bent. I think there was a post about this on here some time ago.