title: Nerve conduction studies in diabetics presymptomatic and symptomatic for diabetic polyneuropathy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We performed nerve conduction studies (NCS) on diabetics with and without symptoms of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) and evaluated correlations with glycaemic control and clinical features.
  
  
  METHODS
  Consecutive patients were recruited in three groups: "normals" (nondiabetics without peripheral nerve disease); "presymptomatic diabetics" (diabetes without DPN); and "symptomatic diabetics". Clinical questionnaire and neurological examination were administered, and NCS were performed using standard techniques.
  
  
  RESULTS
  153 patients were recruited (51 normals, 50 presymptomatic diabetics, 52 symptomatic). Glycosylated haemoglobin and duration of DM were higher in symptomatic diabetics, with symptoms present for 1-60 months (mean 14.5). Alterations in NCS included prolonged latencies, lowered amplitudes and slowed conduction velocities, following a pattern of initially reduced sensory amplitudes and slowed motor velocities, with later reduced motor and sensory amplitudes and prolonged motor latencies. Neuropathic pain, clinical signs and glycosylated haemoglobin correlated with these changes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Even in asymptomatic patients, NCS show diffuse changes, in a predictable pattern. Electrophysiological parameters correlate with neuropathic pain, physical findings and glycosylated haemoglobin levels.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We demonstrate that NCS changes in DPN follow a predictable pattern, correlating with clinical features and long-term glycaemic control.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, Goa Medical College, Bambolim, Goa, 403202, India.
authors.forename: Rainha J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: de Souza
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Goa Medical College, Bambolim, Goa, 403202, India. Electronic address: adesouza1@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Aaron
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: de Souza
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, Goa Medical College, Bambolim, Goa, 403202, India.
authors.forename: Meera D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Nagvekar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003943:Diagnostic Techniques, Neurological; D004568:Electrodiagnosis; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin
keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Diabetic polyneuropathy; Electrophysiology; Glycosylated haemoglobin; Nerve conduction studies