Muscle weakness and other late complications of diabetic polyneuropathy.

Diabetic polyneuropathy is a progressive and irreversible disease, which leads to disability, changes in functioning in daily activities, and frequent falls and injuries in diabetes patients. It is one of the major reasons for the occurrence of foot ulceration and amputation of lower extremities. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between muscle weakness and other complications of diabetic polyneuropathy. The study included 71 patients with electrophysiologically confirmed diabetic polyneuropathy. Through programmed questionnaires, our methodology encompassed examination of demographic, history (duration of diabetes), clinical (neuropathic score and examination) and functional characteristics (muscle strength, foot deformity, joint mobility). Muscle weakness was assessed using a semi-quantitative score. For the purpose of analysis, patients were divided into two groups: MS 1 (muscle strength)--patients with muscle strength score 0 (normal muscle strength) and 1 (moderate muscle strength), and MS 2--patients with score 2 (severe weakness) and 3 (complete loss of strength). MS 1 group consisted of 44 patients and MS 2 group of 27 patients. Significant differences were found in the duration of diabetes between groups MS 1 and MS 2. The Neuropathy Disability Score was higher in group MS 2 (P = 0.001). Heel stand testing differed statistically significantly between MS 1 and MS 2 groups (P < 0.001). High arch was observed in 80% of MS 2 patients. Duration of diabetes of more than 10 years and muscle weakness were found to be the factors influencing the degree of severe diabetic neuropathy.