The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in newly diagnosed patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

INTRODUCTION

Neuropathy is considered to be a longterm complication of diabetes.

AIMS

To determine the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in 112 Sri Lankan patients with recently diagnosed non-insulin-dependent diabetes and a control population of 100 people.

METHODS

A diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy was made using a clinical symptom score, clinical examination, quantitative sensory testing and electrophysiological studies.

RESULTS

9.8% of diabetic patients at diagnosis had peripheral neuropathy, 2.6% had foot ulcers, 7.1% had signs of neuropathy, abnormal vibration perception threshold and nerve conduction abnormalities and 15.1% had abnormal nerve conduction velocity without signs or symptoms of neuropathy. The peroneal nerve conduction velocity was higher in diabetic patients when compared to controls. There was an inverse correlation between nerve conduction velocity and fasting blood glucose in diabetic patients (p < 0/05). This association was stronger for peroneal nerve conduction velocity (r = -0.73) than for median nerve motor conduction velocity (r = -0.42).

CONCLUSIONS

Symptomatic peripheral neuropathy is common among Sri Lankans with newly diagnosed non-insulin-dependent diabetes. This may be due to a later presentation of diabetes or a genetic predisposition.