Evaluation of the Effects of Insulin Therapy on peripheral Nervous System in Diabetic Patients

Abstract

Peripheral neuropathy is common diabetic complication that associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Insulin therapy is essential in treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy; however, rapid strict glycemic control may lead to many complications such as neuropathy. This study performed to evaluate the effect of insulin therapy on peripheral nervous system in patients with type 2 diabetes. This study was conducted in outpatient clinics of Neurology departments of “Azadi Teaching Hospital in Kirkuk city-Iraq” during the period from the 1st of October, 2015 to 30th of September, 2017 included 50 type 2 diabetic patients treated with insulin therapy. Patients followed up at 3rd and 6th months after first examination by evaluating fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, Toronto scoring and nerve conduction study. Findings revealed predominance of females. There was a significant decline in overnight fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c levels after 6 months follow up (p<0.001). The mean Toronto score increased from 5.9 at baseline to 10.6 after 3 months and 12.1 after 6 months. In conclusion the rapid strict glycemic control of blood sugar level is obviously considered to be a risk factor for peripheral neuropathy development among type 2 diabetic patients.