Blood glucose levels and their effect on motor nerve conduction in prediabetics: A case–control study

Abstract

Background: Onset of overt diabetes mellitus (DM) is preceded by longer periods of dysglycemia in the form of high blood glucose levels termed as “Prediabetes.” American Diabetic Association (ADA) states prediabetes to be a condition wherein fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels are more than normal, but lower than the criteria for diagnosing DM, that is,: Between 100 and 125 mg/dL. Peripheral neuropathy has been found to be already present in about 20% diabetic patients at diagnosis. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore the conduction parameters of motor nerves in prediabetic healthy male adults and their affiliation to FBS levels. Materials and Methods: 60 prediabetics within age limit of 30–50 years as cases and 30 age-matched normoglycemic (FBS < 100 mg/dL) males as controls were selected. Demographic and anthropometric parameters were recorded. FBS was measured, electrodiagnosis of motor (median) nerve of both the upper limbs (latency and nerve conduction velocity [NCV]) was conducted in cases and controls. Results: Conduction irregularities in the form of significant rise among mean latency of right motor (median) nerve was prominent in prediabetics compared to normoglycemics. Prediabetics had significantly lower mean values of right motor (median) NCV. In prediabetics, FBS was positively and significantly correlated with latency of both motor nerves but showed significant negative correlation with right and left motor NCVs. Conclusion: Prediabetes is a risk for development of peripheral neuropathy as it was found to be present in prediabetic stage. Hence, screening of all prediabetics is recommended as a preventive measure for decreasing morbidity.