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A Zebrafish Model of Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolic Memory
Published on: February 28, 2013
Long-term glycemic control and neurological function in IDDM patients
D R McCance1, A B Atkinson, D R Hadden
1Sir George E. Clark Metabolic Unit, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Diabetes Care
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Poor glycemic control in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is linked to neurological dysfunction, specifically absent ankle reflexes. Other factors also influence sensory nerve function in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Diabetology
Background:
- Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) can lead to various complications.
- Neurological dysfunction is a known complication, but its relationship with glycemic control needs further examination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between sensory neurological function and prior glycemic control in IDDM patients.
- To identify factors contributing to neurological deficits in IDDM.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 220 IDDM patients for ankle reflexes and vibration perception thresholds (VPT) at the ankle and toe.
- Assessed VPT using biothesiometry.
- Correlated neurological parameters with concurrent and mean HbA1 levels over six years.
Main Results:
- Absent ankle reflexes were significantly more common in patients with higher mean and concurrent HbA1 levels (P < 0.0001).
- Higher HbA1 levels correlated with absent ankle reflexes (P = 0.0009).
- Vibration perception thresholds did not significantly correlate with glycemic control, but age, ankle reflex, retinopathy, albuminuria, and blood pressure predicted toe VPT.
Conclusions:
- Glycemic control plays a role in the development of neurological dysfunction in IDDM patients.
- Additional unidentified factors likely contribute to sensory nerve impairment in IDDM.
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