Predictors of distal motor nerve conduction velocity in patients with diabetic neuropathy: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus reduces nerve conduction velocity (NCV) leading to diabetic neuropathy (DN) with sensory, motor, and autonomic manifestations. Predictors of NCV need to be studied for better assessment, treatment, and prediction of the affected patients. Objective: To determine predictors of distal motor NCV (tibial and peroneal nerves) in patients with DN. Methods: Forty-four patients with DN from an outpatient clinic were enrolled. Besides demographic data, they were assessed for motor NCV of tibial and peroneal nerves and toe flexor muscle strength using dynamometer. Correlations using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and linear regression model were used. Results: Univariate analysis showed that strength and BMI are related to Peroneal motor NCV and age is related to tibial motor NCV at p≤0.2. Regression model showed that no significant predictor for peroneal or tibial motor NCV at p<0.05. Conclusion: Toes flexor isometric strength, age, and BMI are not independent predictors of distal motor NCV in patients with DN. Larger studies are needed to explore potential clinical screening proxies.