Visual Evoked Potentials (VEPs) in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neuroscience
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes is a prevalent global health issue.
• Diabetic retinopathy is a major cause of visual impairment and a characteristic complication of diabetes.
• Early detection and management of diabetic retinopathy are crucial for preserving vision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate P100 latencies and interocular latency differences in individuals with diabetes compared to a control group.
• To explore the correlation between P100 latency, interocular latency difference, and the duration of diabetes.
• To assess the utility of visual evoked potentials in identifying subclinical retinal dysfunction in diabetic patients.

Main Methods:

• A comparative, cross-sectional study involving 64 participants.
• Visual evoked potentials (VEP) and anthropometric measurements were recorded.
• Statistical analyses included analysis of covariance and Pearson's correlation to compare groups and assess relationships.

Main Results:

• P100 latencies were significantly prolonged in diabetic patients compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001).
• Significant differences in P100 latencies were observed within diabetic subgroups and between diabetic and control groups.
• A positive correlation was found between the duration of diabetes and left interocular latency difference.

Conclusions:

• Prolonged P100 latencies are a significant finding in diabetes patients.
• P100 latency is positively correlated with the duration of the disease.
• Visual evoked potential testing demonstrates potential for early detection of retinal dysfunction, preceding overt retinopathy symptoms.