Sensory nerve function in diabetic patients and its relationship with lower extremity arterial disease

ObjectiveTo investigate the peripheral sensory f unction in diabetes mellitus with the neurometer and its relationship with lower extremity arterial disease in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.Methods One hundred diabetic patients and 30 healthy control subjects were in volved in the study. Using the Neurometer, current perception threshold testing at 2 000, 250 and 5 Hz was performed on median and peroneal nerves. Ultrasonic artery examination was taken on lower extremities.ResultsDia betic patients had increased current perception threshold at 2000Hz and 5Hz on b oth nerves as compared with the control group. Current perception threshold in t hose with neurological symptoms was higher than in asymptomatic patients. Of 74 patients who took up artery ultrasonic examination,31 patients had arterial dis ease. The rate of abnormal current perception threshold in those with lower extr emity arterial disease was higher than without lower extremity arterial disease , which was significantly corraletd with lower extremity arterial disease. ConclusionNot only large myelinated nerve but also small myelinate d or unmyelinated nerve may be involved in diabetes mellitus. Diabetic periphera l neuropathy may have vascular pathogenesis.