Can chronoscopic reading in whole body reaction time predict peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetics? A case control study

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes is investigated as a risk factor for peripheral neuropathy. In whole body simple reaction time (WBSRT), the reaction time is split into two chronoscopic readings C1 and C2. C1 measures the time required for central processing which requires cognition and C2 measures total reaction time. C2-C1 measures the time required for peripheral motor response, i.e. the required for conduction of impulse in motor nerve fiber. We hypothesized that WBSRTC2-C1 will be delayed in diabetes and WBSRTC2-C1 will have predictive value in detecting peripheral neural dysfunction. Settings and Design: Hospital-based case control study. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 120 subjects using whole body reaction timers with the criteria of age (40-60 years) and type 2 diabetes and the results were compared with an equal number of age- and sex-matched controls. Statistical analysis was done by independent t-test and duration of diabetes was correlated with the time required for motor response (WBSRTC2-C1) using Pearson's correlation. Predictive value of WBSRTC2-C1 was calculated by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: WBSRTC2-C1 (334 ± 67 ms) in diabetics was more delayed than WBSRTC2-C1 (297 ± 66 ms) in controls, indicating peripheral neural dysfunction in diabetes. There was no significant correlation between HbA1c, diabetic duration with WBSRTC2-C1 in diabetes. ROC curve for WBSRTC2-C1 to predict peripheral neuropathy was insignificant. Conclusion: Though WBSRTC2-C1 is delayed in diabetics, it alone cannot predict peripheral neural dysfunction in diabetics.