Comparative Study of Sensory Threshold between Neurologically Asymptomatic Diabetics and Normals

Background

Loss of protective sensation is the primary factor in diabetic foot ulcers. Hence, formation of foot ulcers leads to diabetic foot complications resulting in amputation. Early detection and appropriate treatment of these ulcers may prevent up to 85 percent of amputations.

Aims & Objectives

To compare the sensory thresholds between neurologically asymptomatic diabetics and normal’s of similar age groups, to identify any correlation between duration of diabetes and rise in sensory threshold and to determine the site in the foot with the highest degree of sensory threshold.

Material and Methods

30 patients with neurologically asymptomatic diabetic neuropathy and 30 normal’s were selected. 6 different sites in the foot were chosen and an Electrical muscle stimulator was used at direct current mode to measure the sensory threshold.

Results

Analysis of data gathered during the tests performed at the chosen 6 sites in the foot revealed that that there is a statistically significant increase ( p < 0.05) in the sensory threshold in neurologically asymptomatic diabetes as compared to normals. There was also a high degree of correlation (87.06%) between the duration of diabetes and rise in sensory threshold. Statistical analysis of data pertaining to sensory threshold at difference sites revealed that there is significant difference in the sensory threshold at different sites with the heel having the highest mean value of 37.3 and the medial malleolus having the lowest mean value of 15.1.

Conclusion

The study shows that the sensory threshold gets significantly affected in asymptomatic diabetics. Patients suffering from diabetes over a longer period are more likely to have an increase in their sensory threshold. The study also reveals that the Heel has the highest sensory threshold among the sites studied in the feet.