Posted by Medivizor on Jun 24, 2015 in Diabetes mellitus |
In a nutshell
This study compared nervous system function in latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) and type 2 diabetes (T2D).
Some background
Some diabetic patients can develop neuropathy (impaired function of the nervous system). This typically occurs late in the progression of diabetes. Symptoms include tingling, numbness and burning in affected areas. However in up to 50% of cases, patients are without symptoms (asymptomatic). This delays diagnosis and treatment, allowing progression of the condition. Furthermore, patients can experience more severe burns or other injuries due to decreased sensation and the delayed response which follows.
LADA is a slowly progressing form of diabetes, that some believe is a subtype of type 1 diabetes, while others believe it lies somewhere between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Neuropathy in LADA has not been widely studied and studies comparing LADA to other forms of diabetes are even more uncommon. More investigation in these areas is required so that risk factors can be established.
Methods & findings
This study aimed to compare neuropathy in patients with LADA and T2D who had no symptoms. 360 patients with LADA and 1,275 with T2D took part in the study. Both groups were then divided in three – patients who had diabetes for less than 5 years, 5-14 years and 15 years or more. The patients’ nerve conduction (the ability of the nerves to send signals within the body) was tested.
In both LADA and T2D patients, nerve conduction worsened with increasing disease duration (the length of time the patient had diabetes). In the 15 years or more group, 66.7% of LADA patients and 62.8% of T2D patients had dysfunctional nerve conduction. Though the speed of nerve signals in LADA and T2D patients in the 5-14 years group was similar, the amplitude (strength) was lower in LADA patients than T2DM. Nerve signals were significantly slower in LADA patients (0.76 miliseconds) than T2DM patients (1.22 miliseconds) in the less than 5 years group. No other significant differences were found.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that progression of neuropathy seems to be more aggressive in early and middle LADA than in T2D.
The fine print
Although insightful, these results need to be confirmed by further similar tests.
What’s next?
Consult your doctor if you are concerned about neuropathy, particularly if you have a family history of the condition or you have experienced any of the symptoms described above.
Published By :
Journal of Diabetes and its Complications
Original Title :
Evaluating peripheral nerve function in asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes or latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA): results from nerve conduction studies.
