Relationship between Glycated Hemoglobin and Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (Code-T0065)

Background: Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is a common and debilitating complication of Diabetes Mellitus (DM), significantly impacting quality of life and leading to increased morbidity. Elevated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels have been linked to the development and progression of DPN. The association between HbA1c and DPN remains crucial for understanding the role of glycemic control in preventing neuropathic complications.

Aims and Objectives:

Aim

To determine the relation of glycated haemoglobin with features of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Objectives

1. To determine vibration perception threshold, tactile sensation, thermal discrimination, plantar foot skin temperature using a Neuropathy screening device in patients with DM.
2. To determine the relation between HbA1c levels & VPT, tactile sensation , thermal discrimination, plantar foot skin temperature in DPN.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 T2DM patients who underwent clinical evaluation and screening for DPN using a neuropathy assessment device. HbA1c levels were measured for all participants, and the severity of neuropathy was classified based on clinical symptoms and objective screening measures such as Vibration Perception Threshold (VPT), Thermal Discrimination, and Tactile Sensation. Statistical analysis, including Pearson's and Spearman's correlation coefficients, was used to evaluate the relationship between HbA1c levels and DPN severity, with a p-value < 0.05 considered significant.

Results: A significant positive correlation was found between HbA1c levels and the severity of DPN (r = 0.62, p < 0.001). Higher HbA1c levels were associated with increased severity of neuropathy symptoms, such as reduced VPT, poor thermal discrimination, and decreased tactile sensation.

Conclusion: Elevated HbA1c levels are strongly associated with the development and progression of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Tight glycemic control is crucial in preventing or delaying the onset of DPN in patients with T2DM.

Keywords: Glycated Hemoglobin, Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, T2DM, Vibration Perception Threshold, Glycemic Control, Neuropathy Screening.