Diabetes Metab J.  2012 Feb;36(1):64-69. 10.4093/dmj.2012.36.1.64.

Clinical Significance of the Presence of Autonomic and Vestibular Dysfunction in Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy

• Kim SK
• Lee KJ
• Hahm JR
• Lee SM
• Jung TS
• Jung JH
• Kim S
• Kim DR
• Ahn SK
• Choi WH
• Chung SI

• KMID: 2281430
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2012.36.1.64

Abstract

BACKGROUND
We investigated the prevalence of diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) and vestibular dysfunction (VD) in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy.
METHODS
Thirty-five diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy were enrolled from August 2008 to July 2009. All subjects underwent autonomic function tests. Nineteen of the patients (54.3%) underwent videonystagmography.
RESULTS
Diabetic autonomic neuropathy was observed in 28 patients (80%). A mild degree of autonomic failure was observed in 18 patients (64.3%), and a moderate degree of autonomic failure was observed in ten patients (35.7%). Factors related to DAN included diabetic nephropathy (P=0.032), degree of chronic kidney disease (P=0.003), and duration of diabetes (P=0.044). Vestibular dysfunction was observed in 11 of 19 patients (57.9%). There was no significant association between DAN and VD.
CONCLUSION
Diabetic autonomic neuropathy was observed in 28 diabetic patients (80%) with peripheral neuropathy. Vestibular dysfunction was observed in nearly 60% of diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy who complained of dizziness but showed no significant association with DAN. Diabetic patients who complained of dizziness need to examine both autonomic function and vestibular function.

Keyword

Diabetic autonomic neuropathy; Diabetic neuropathies; Vestibular dysfunction

MeSH Terms

Diabetic Nephropathies
Diabetic Neuropathies
Dizziness
Humans
Peripheral Nervous System Diseases
Prevalence
Renal Insufficiency, Chronic

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