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EEG findings in diabetic patients with and without retinopathy
Objectives:
We showed previously that temporal low-voltage irregular delta waves (TLID) on EEG are indicative of cerebrovascular dysfunction in its early stages. The present study was designed to determine whether the incidence of this finding is elevated in diabetics as compared to normal controls.
Methods:
EEGs of 50 diabetics and 50 normal controls were examined. Relationships of blood sugar levels, levels of HbA1C and stages of diabetic retinopathy to TLID were also examined.
Results:
TLID was found in 56% of EEGs of the diabetics and in 14% of EEGs of the controls (P < 0.0001). The occurrence of TLID was also associated with the presence of diabetic retinopathy.
Conclusions:
Our results suggest that the incidence of cerebrovascular dysfunction is elevated in diabetics. Since TLID was associated with diabetic retinopathy, it seems possible that the TLID detected in diabetics might reflect certain functional changes induced by microangiopathy of the brain.