Nerve Conduction Studies for Early Detection and Prediction of Subclinical Peripheral Neuropathy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients (T0360)

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a leading cause of peripheral neuropathy, often 
progressing silently in asymptomatic patients. Subclinical diabetic peripheral neuropathy 
(sDPN) is associated with long-term complications, influenced by glycemic control, 
inflammatory markers, and vascular dysfunction. This study investigates the prevalence of 
electrophysiological abnormalities in asymptomatic type 2 diabetic patients and identifies 
associated risk factors. 
Aims and Objectives: 
Aim: • To evaluate the electrophysiological abnormalities and its risk factor profile in 
diabetic patients with subclinical peripheral neuropathy.  
Objectives:   
• To study the pattern of electrophysiological abnormalities (peripheral neuropathy) in 
asymptomatic type 2 diabetic patients by nerve conduction studies.  
• To study the association between subclinical neuropathy and the measurable variables 
HbA1c, C-Reactive protein and urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR).  
• To study the role of atherosclerosis in subclinical diabetic neuropathy by measuring ankle 
brachial pressure index (ABPI). 
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 126 type 2 diabetic patients aged 40-60 
years, with a diabetes duration of 5-10 years but no clinical symptoms of neuropathy. 
Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) was used to exclude clinically evident 
neuropathy. Nerve conduction studies were performed, and risk factors such as glycated 
hemoglobin (HbA1c), C-reactive protein (CRP), urine albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR), and 
ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) were analyzed. 
Results: Among 126 participants, 50% had mixed sensorimotor neuropathy, 41.27% had 
sensory, and 8.73% had pure motor neuropathy. Demyelinating neuropathy was predominant 
(57.14%). Risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, poor glycemic control, and albuminuria 
were significantly associated with sDPN. 
Conclusion: Subclinical peripheral neuropathy is prevalent in asymptomatic diabetic 
patients. NCS is a superior diagnostic tool compared to questionnaires. Early screening and 
targeting risk factors such as albuminuria and peripheral artery disease may prevent 
progression to overt neuropathy. 
Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Subclinical Neuropathy, Nerve Conduction Study, 
Electrophysiology, Glycemic Control, Albuminuria