Diabetic neuropathies-clinical and electrophysiological profile

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetic neuropathy is a very common but disabling microvascular complication of diabetes. It can involve the peripheral as well as the autonomic nerve functions. This study was undertaken to understand the different types of peripheral and autonomic neuropathies in diabetic patients with respect to the duration of diabetes and electrophysiological findings. Method: 100 patients who were proven diabetics were included in the study irrespective of the duration of diabetes. Neuropathy was assessed using clinical symptoms, signs and with the help of electrophysiological studies. Results: Sensory loss (80.3%) was the most common symptom noted in these patients, followed by paresthesias and giddiness. Decreased timed vibration (81.5%) was the most common sign elicited. Neuropathy had the highest prevalence in males in their sixties. Neuropathy was more common in those with diabetes for more than 5 years duration. Conclusion: Distal symmetrical sensory polyneuropathy was the commonest type of neuropathy in diabetes mellitus found in our study. Autonomic dysfunction in the form of postural giddiness was also found in a high proportion of patients. Higher HbA1c level and duration of diabetes significantly increased the risk of neuropathy.