Investigation of Motor Electroneuromyography Parameters in Patients with Short- and Long-Term Diabetes

One of the common complications of diabetic patients is peripheral neuropathy. The aim of the present study was to evaluation of the changes of parameters of peripheral nerves in patients with short- and long-term diabetes.
48 subjects were selected and classified into three groups: i) patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy for 1-7 years (n=16), ii) patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy for 10-17 years (n=16), and iii) 16 healthy subjects. All groups were evaluated by electroneurogram and electromyogram investigations.
Data analysis showed a significant difference between short-term diabetes and control groups in peroneal nerve and median nerve conductions. In addition, significant differences were observed between long-term diabetes and control groups in peroneal nerve and median nerve conductions as well as in biceps electrical activation and gastrocnemius electrical activation. Among these findings, the most important differences were observed between short and long-term diabetes groups in gastrocnemius and biceps electrical activation.
Our data indicate that peripheral nerves deficits are early complications in patients with diabetes. A longer duration of diabetes leads to muscle functional changes and disorders of motor unit recruitment.