Background: Diabetes mellitus is associated with chronic complications, among which is peripheral neuropathy.
The severity of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is evaluated using the Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS). Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a measure of glycated hemoglobin utilized to monitor diabetic patients' glucose levels over the past 2 or 3 months. DPN is linked to glycemic exposure and the duration of diabetes. However, evidence suggests that only rigorous glycemic control, monitored by HbA1c levels, can alleviate or prevent neuropathy.
Objectives: This study aimed to examine the correlation between HbA1c and the neuropathy disability score in a specific group of participants. Additionally, the research explored the potential impact of various demographic and clinical factors on this correlation.
Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study encompassed 198 adult subjects diagnosed with type 2 DM who sought medical care at the Neurology and Internal Medicine Departments of Benha University Hospital in Egypt between July 2021 and July 2022. All participants underwent medical history assessments, general and neurological examinations, HbA1c tests, lipid profile evaluations, liver function tests, kidney function assessments, and a revised neuropathy disability score to identify signs of neuropathy.
Results: The Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS) exhibited a significant correlation with HbA1c % and various factors, including age, BMI, blood pressure (SBP and DBP), fasting blood sugar (FBS), serum creatinine, LDL-C, HDL-C, and the duration of diabetes. However, it does not display significant correlations with triglyceride levels or total cholesterol.
Conclusion: A strong correlation exists between HbA1c levels and the presence of diabetic neuropathy.