Nerve conduction in children suffering insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Objective: To determine the incidence of peripheral neuropathy in children suffering Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) as well as to determine the relationship between other criteria of the disease and neuropathy.

Methods: 40 children (17 males, mean age 11.9 years) suffering IDDM and receiving insulin therapy involving two injections a day and 30 healthy children (17 males, mean age 11.7 years) were included in the study. They were inquired about their demographical characteristics as well as the presence of neurological symptoms. Their detailed neurological examinations were conducted. Their glycemic control values (Hb A1C) were recorded, and their nerve conduction studies were performed from right upper and lower extremities.

Results: All nerve conduction values of children with IDDM were found to be significantly lower (p<0.0001) as compared to the control group. 60% of diabetic children (n=24) were found to suffer peripheral neuropathy. Statistically significant relationships were found between the glycemic control values and the peroneal, sural, tibial, ulnar and median nerve conduction velocities, and also between the duration of disease and the peroneal, sural, tibial and median nerve conduction velocities.

Conclusion: The peripheral neuropathy is rather a frequently observed complication in diabetic children. The duration of disease and impaired glycemic control play an important role in the development of neuropathy. The introduction of new methods designed to ensure better glycemic control will reduce the incidence of the complication.