Abstract
The following parameters were measured in 60 diabetic patients: MCV (motor conduction velocity), TL (terminal latency), SCV (sensory conduction velocity) and NAP (nerve action potential) of the median nerve.
Stimulus (150 V, 0.2 ms) was applied to the 2nd finger using ring electrodes. Needle electrodes (interelectrode distance 3 cm, bipolar lead) were employed as the recording electrodes. NAP's were recorded from the wrist and elbow. Each potential was added 20 times using a computer. SCV's were measured from the 2nd finger to wrist and from the wrist to elbow. The MCV (from elbow to wrist) and TL were also measured.
The SCV, NAP and MCV values were decreased in diabetics compared to healthy controls. No close relationship existed between nerve conduction and the duration of diabetes mellitus, method of. therapy (diet and oral diabetic drugs) or age. The SCV values were more decreased in poorly controlled diabetics.
SCV and NAP were more significantly reduced in diabetics in the 3rd stage (Scott's classification), with paresthesia, decreased vibratory sensation and diminished light touch, than in those who did not complain of such manifestations. SCV and NAP were also significantly reduced in diabetics with loss of patellar and or Achilles jerk.
On the basis of the above findings, it is concluded that the onset of peripheral nerve involvementcan be prevented if diabetes mellitus is more or less well controlled, and that some relationship exists between diabetic peripheral polyneuropathy and retinopathy, which is considered representative of microangiopathy.
