An analysis of nerve conduction velocity in 157 patients with type 2 diabetes

Objective To observe the characteristics of electroneurography in type 2 diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy. Methods The motor conduction velocity (MCV) of median, ulnar, tibial and peroneal nerves and the sensory conduction velocity (SCV) of median, ulnar and sural nerves were measured in 157 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Results There were statistically significant differences in three parameters (latency, amplitude and nerve conduction velocity) between type 2 diabetic patients and normal subjects (P0.05). The frequency of abnormality rate in three parameters: (distance) latency(distance) amplitudenerve conduction velocity. The abnormality rates of three parameters of sensory nerves were higher than those of motor nerves; those of lower extremities were higher than those of the upper ones and those of the sural nerve were the highest. Conclusion The measurement of nerve conduction velocity may be helpful in the early diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients.