BACKGROUND:Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common long term complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) is a reliable indicator of  peripheral nerve functions. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA_1c) is an indicator of glycaemic control. Impaired glycaemic control is one of the factors that lead to DPN in DM. The aim of this research was to find out the relationship between peripheral nerve functions and glycaemic control in patients of T2DM.

Material and methods: In this observational cross sectional study HbA_1c and NCV (for bilateral Sural, Peroneal & Median nerves) were done on 50 eligible T2DM patients and 25 apparently healthy controls. Correlation was studied between HbA_1c levels and NCV of the above mentioned nerves.

OBSERVATION:

1.Significant negative correlation was found between HbA_1c levels and bilateral Sural nerve conduction velocity.

·         Right sural nerve  r= –0.420,  p = 0.0001

·         Left sural nerve    r = –0.2846,  p = 0.0133

2. No significant negative correlation was found between HbA_1c levels and NCV of bilateral peroneal motor and bilateral Median sensory &motor nerves.

CONCLUSION:Worsening of glycaemic control is positively correlated to peripheral neuropathy as it adversely effects the peripheral nerve functions.