Title: Nerve Conduction Abnormalities in Newly Diagnosed Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Authors: Dr Nallathambi, Prof. Dr R Umarani, Prof. Dr M. Senthilvelan

 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v9i3.28

Abstract

Background: Peripheral neuropathy is one of the major microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus. Diabetic peripehral neuropathy is defined as presence of symptoms and / or signs of peripheral nerve dysfunction in diabetic patients after exclusion of other causes. Though incidence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy correlates with duration of diabetes mellitus and degree of hyperglycemia some patients already have neuropathy at time of diagnosis itself.

Objectives: Assessment of nerve conduction abnormalities in patients with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus within one month duration were prospectively recruited. History of symptoms like tingling sensation, hyperaesthesia, burning sensation, history of weakness, gait abnormality and foot ulcer were noted. Complete clinical examination was done. Nerve conduction studies was performed in upper limb and lower limb of non-dominant hand side using a neuro space S1 machine.

Results: Twenty patients [12 men and 8 women] were included in this study with duration of diabetes mellitus <1 month. The mean age of the patients was found to be 58.76 ± 13.6 years. Among these 15 patients [75%] had abnormal nerve conduction studies and 5 patients [25%] were normal. Distal motor latencies were significantly higher in diabetics and also F-wave latencies were prolonged in both upper limb and lower limbs. Sensory conduction velocities decreased in diabetics compared to controls.

Conclusion: Patients with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus have higher incidence of peripheral neuropathy. So performing nerve conduction studies is highly essential for early detection of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and proper management.

Keywords: NCS (Nerve conduction studies), Newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus, Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, F-waves., HbA1C-Glyosated haemoglobin level.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Nallathambi

Post Graduate, Department of General Medicine, Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital, Chidambaram