Asymptomatic neuropathy in diabetes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigate the prevalence of asymptomatic peripheral neuropathy by screening patients with diabetes mellitus and carpal tunnel symptoms
IRAS ID
202077
Contact name
Rachael Falkner
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
ASTON UNIVERSITY
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 28 days
Research summary
It is known that patients with diabetes are at a significantly increased risk of neuropathy, this includes entrapment disorders such as CTS, but also peripheral neuropathy. (Bahrmann et al (2010), Comi et al. (1985), Diabetes.co.uk (2015)). This is because poorly controlled diabetes results in fluctuating blood glucose levels, which are thought to cause glycosylation and damage to blood vessels which supply the nerves (Diabetes.co.uk, 2015).
As there is a documented relationship between diabetes and neuropathies, the incidence of asymptomatic peripheral neuropathy in patients referred for carpal tunnel syndrome with a history of diabetes mellitus will be investigated. In order to do this, current patients referred for carpal tunnel screening in Neurophysiology at City Hospital Birmingham, who also have diabetes will have sural sensory nerve testing in the lower limb. Results will be compared with a control group of patients referred for carpal tunnel who do not have a history of diabetes. In addition a diabetes risk questionnaire will assess whether patients without diagnosis of diabetes who are at risk. This will give a potential third group of patients who have an asymptomatic neuropathy and no diabetes.
This proposal investigates how many patients with symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome also have an asymptomatic peripheral neuropathy. As a secondary objective the appropriateness of setting up a new service, a basic diabetic neuropathy screen for all patients referred with a history of carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is proposed to avoid the need for repeat appointments and establish whether symptoms are due to a pure entrapment or polyneuropathy. This would have major implications in terms of treatment pathway for the patient and would have an effect upon the waiting lists for patients within Neurophysiology and within external referral services such as Orthopaedics, Diabetes and Pain management.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 1
REC reference
17/WS/0013
Date of REC Opinion
1 Feb 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion