Study of Clinico Electrophysiological Profile of Diabetic Neuropathy

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Diabetic neuropathy is a common and troublesome microvascular complication of diabetes. It includes wide range of abnormalities involving peripheral and autonomic nerve functions. The aim of this study was to clinically evaluate various neuropathies in diabetic patients and to assess the relationship between duration of diabetes and onset of neuropathy and coexistence of peripheral neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy. METHOD: Subjects (n=50, mean age-57.6 years) with diabetes were studied. Evaluation of peripheral neuropathy was based on clinical symptoms, signs and nerve conduction study. Assessment of autonomic neuropathy was based on a battery of Ewing's cardiovascular autonomic tests. RESULTS: Diabetic polyneuropathy (76%) was the most common neuropathy detected. Numbness (80.3%) was the most common symptom with decreased sense of vibration (81.5%) being the most common sign. Loss of ankle jerk was seen in 65.7%. Autonomic neuropathy was detected in 26%. Neuropathy was more common in 5th decade of life with male preponderance. Association between disease duration and risk of diabetic neuropathy is strong. CONCLUSION: Distal symmetric polyneuropathy and autonomic neuropathy were the commonest types of neuropathy in diabetes mellitus. We suggest that all the patients with diabetes should undergo the common tests for autonomic dysfunction. The association of duration of diabetes and neuropathy was strong. Coexistence of autonomic and peripheral neuropathies was also observed.