Early detection of neurological involvement in diabetes mellitus

The aim of this study was to investigate diabetic patients to obtain electrophysiological data of possible neurological abnormalities even in the absence of neuropathy symptoms, taking into account metabolic control. Fifty five diabetic patients and twenty healthy subjects were included in this study. Motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities (CV), F wave and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) were recorded. Metabolic data about glycemia and HbA1c were collected. 49.1% of the patients had peripheral nerve conduction slowing. 56.4% of the patients had SEP abnormalities, and among them 38.7% did not have any peripheral nerve alterations. 40% of diabetic patients had F wave abnormalities and 22.7% peripheral nerve conduction was within normal limits. 33.7% of our patients had carpal tunnel syndrome and 38.8% of these were asymptomatic. There was a significant association between electrophysiological parameters and metabolic control. In diabetic patients it is essential to determine the presence and distribution of neuropathy.