The utility of nerve conduction studies in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy

Abstract

Background. Neuropathy is one of the most common, debilitating complications of diabetes mellitus, often neglected in routine diabetes treatment. It is the single most common reason for foot ulcerations and amputations and is responsible for severe sensory abnormalities and reduced quality of life among thousands of diabetic patients. Objectives. The aim of our study was to establish the prevalence and type of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients by means of nerve conduction studies (NCSs) in order to encourage primary care physicians to look for any signs of sensory or motor abnormalities early in the management of diabetes, thus preventing irreversible nerve damage. Material and methods. A total of 21 patients with type 2 diabetes (12 men and 9 women; mean age, 60.8 ± 8.9 years) presenting with neuropathy symptoms were enrolled into the study. Sensory and motor NCSs were conducted in the ulnar, median, peroneal, sural, and tibial nerves. Results. Sensory axonal polyneuropathy was diagnosed in 7 patients; sensory and motor polyneuropathy, in 2 patients; and carpal tunnel syndrome, in 3 patients. In the remaining patients, the results of NCSs were within the reference range. Conclusions. The study revealed that 12 patients (57%) had nerve conduction abnormalities suggesting peripheral nerve changes and polyneuropathy. In addition, our study confirmed that NCSs are useful in assessing the prevalence of neuropathy and differentiating between axonal and demyelination polyneuropathies and various types of mononeuropathies in diabetic patients and should be part of routine primary care protocols in the management of diabetes.