Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic progressive disorder and is concerned because of its devastating complications. Among this, nervous system is most frequently affected. Symptom varies widely in peripheral neuropathy due to diabetes. In majority of cases, sensory symptoms predominate. Vibration perception threshold (VPT) has added much to early diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy. The previous studies showed that, in mild-to-moderate diabetic neuropathy, VPT serves as excellent tool.
Aims and Objectives: This study is planned to assess if VPT testing can be applied as early diagnostic tool in diabetic neuropathy.
Materials and Methods: The studies on VPT were conducted in the Department of Physiology with the help of Department of Medicine at VIMSAR, Burla, within the time period of February 2015-November 2015. Vibration sense was detected in 60 diabetic patients, of which 30 had clinical neuropathy and 30 without clinical neuropathy. Chi-square test has been applied between parameters. The instrument used was Vibrotherm Dx.
Results: In these 60 diabetic patients, VPT was conducted. This study shows the diverse result of VPT testing. Among the clinical neuropathy patients, 26.66% had Grade I severity and 43.33% had Grade II severity. It was found that in diabetic patients without the clinical neuropathy 50% had Grade I severity and 6.66% had Grade II severity. Hence, it was confirmed that nerve fibers are affected in subclinical states without any symptom.
Conclusion: All diabetic patients irrespective of their clinical symptoms of neuropathy should be assessed by VPT testing. It will help to identify at risk group with diabetic peripheral neuropathy by detecting their VPT. It is also a cost-effective procedure. We can also prevent the devastating diabetic foot complications.
Key words: Vibration Perception Threshold; Diabetes Mellitus; Diabetic Neuropathy; Diabetic Foot
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