Diabetic neuropathy: Determining the sensitivity of peripheral nerves during a short course of glycemic control

Abstract

The effect of controlling diabetes on peripheral neuropathy is a continuing debate since many years ago. This study tried to determine the correlation between a short course of glycemic control on the conduction velocity and electromyographic changes of the peripheral nerves of the lower limbs. The authors conducted a historical cohort study on 120 diabetic patients. This study assessed clinically and electrophysiologically the peripheral nervous system of two equal and adjusted groups of controlled and uncontrolled type 2 diabetic patients in which glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were below or over 7.5% continuously at least during the last six months. Thirty-two men and 88 women enrolled in the study. Sixteen patients in controlled group and 24 patients in the uncontrolled group had peripheral neuropathy. Mean age and duration of diabetes (years±SD) in the first group was 50.8±10.8 years and 6.48±3.05 months; and in the second group was 48.9±11.4 years and 7.40±4.85 months respectively. Sixteen patients in controlled group and 24 patients in the other group had peripheral neuropathy. The uncontrolled diabetic patients had higher rate of peripheral neuropathy in the lower limbs in which the hyperglycernic state is an effective factor. The common peroneal nerves are more sensitive to glycemic changes and prone to involve faster. Nerve conduction studies and electromyographic findings were only statistically significant but there was not any significant clinical difference.