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Diabetic neuropathy: a clinical, laboratory and electrodiagnostic study
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|July 1, 1982
Summary
Diabetic patients show impaired nerve conduction velocity (NCV) linked to hyperglycemia. Treatment improved NCV, especially median and peroneal nerves, correlating with lower glucose levels.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Diabetology
Background:
- Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus.
- Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) is a measure of nerve function that can be affected by diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and hyperglycemia in adult-onset diabetic patients.
- To evaluate the impact of diabetic treatment on NCV.
Main Methods:
- Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and clinical sensory and blood chemistry testing were performed on 25 diabetic males and 23 age-matched controls.
- Diabetic patients were tested before and at several time points after initiating treatment.
Main Results:
- Diabetic subjects exhibited significantly impaired NCVs and prolonged H-reflex latencies compared to controls (p < 0.025).
- NCV impairments were symmetrical and diffuse, affecting both upper and lower extremities.
- Median, peroneal, and tibial motor NCVs correlated with hyperglycemia; treatment led to significant NCV improvements (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Hyperglycemia is linked to symmetrical, diffuse neuropathy in adult-onset diabetes.
- Diabetic treatment can significantly improve nerve conduction velocity, with improvements correlating to reduced fasting plasma glucose levels.