Relationship Between Glycated Hemoglobin and Vibration Perception Threshold in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Foot ulcers, infections, and deformity are some of the major sources of mortality and morbidity among the diabetic population. The relationship between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) has been well established. There is a dearth of literature on the relationship between vibration perception threshold (VPT) and HbA1c values. So, the objective of the study was to determine the strength of linear relationship between HbA1c levels and vibration perception threshold in DPN. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, and diabetic foot screening camps held at various parts of Udupi district. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal (IEC:281/2017). A total of 534 participants ranging from 30 to 70 years of age and were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus on medications were included in the study. Neuropathy assessment consisting of monofilament and vibration perception threshold was done using Neurotouch beta version (Yostra Labs, Bengaluru, India). HbA1c measurement was done using turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay technique (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany). Pearson correlation coefficient showed a moderate to good correlation between HbA1c and VPT (r = .0.753, P < .001). Linear regression result has shown a significant relationship of VPT with HbA1c (4.033 [95% confidence interval = 3.67-4.39]). The present study has concluded that there is strong relationship between HbA1c values and VPT and could be a predictor for complications in the foot following DPN.