Effect of duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus on peripheral nerve conduction in upper limbs

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common chronic diseases globally. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the troublesome complication. But exact pathogenesis is not yet known. Studies showing association between duration of DM with severity of neuropathy are less in number. Hence, present study was aimed to compare conduction velocities and amplitudes of sensory-motor nerves of upper limbs in healthy controls and patients with type 2 DM of varying duration and to correlate these parameters with duration of disease. 60 type 2 DM male patients having controlled glycated hemoglobin (Hb A1c), were selected. 30 were having diabetes for 0-5 years (group B) and 30 were having diabetes for 5-10 years (group C). They were compared with 30 healthy controls (group A). Conduction velocity and amplitudes of ulnar motor and ulnar sensory nerves were recorded bilaterally. On analysis, amplitudes and conduction velocities of ulnar sensory nerves were significantly lower in diabetic patients with longer duration of DM. To conclude, DPN worsens with increasing duration of disease. Stringent action has to be taken at an early stage of disease to prevent nerve damage. Early diagnosis of DPN remains the cornerstone of patient follow up.