Epidermal nerve innervation in impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes-associated neuropathy.

The authors describe skin biopsy findings in patients with peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Six patients with IGT, eight with early diabetes-associated neuropathy, and five controls were recruited. Most subjects underwent nerve conduction studies (NCS) and quantitative sensory tests (QST). Skin biopsy was abnormal in all neuropathy subjects and correlated poorly with NCS. Neuropathy associated with IGT primarily affects small fibers and is similar to early diabetes-associated neuropathy.