Clinical significance of the presence of autonomic and vestibular dysfunction in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy

• Published in: Diabetes & metabolism journal Vol. 36; no. 1; pp. 64 - 69
• Main Authors: Kim, Soo Kyoung, Lee, Kyeong Ju, Hahm, Jong Ryeal, Lee, Sang Min, Jung, Tae Sik, Jung, Jung Hwa, Kim, Sungsu, Kim, Deok Ryong, Ahn, Seong-Ki, Choi, Won-Hee, Chung, Soon Il
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Korean Diabetes Association 01.02.2012; 대한당뇨병학회
• Subjects: Diabetic autonomic neuropathy; Diabetic neuropathies; Original; Vestibular dysfunction; 내과학; Diabetic autonomic neuropathy; Diabetic neuropathies; Vestibular dysfunction
• ISSN: 2233-6079; 2233-6087
• DOI: 10.4093/dmj.2012.36.1.64

We investigated the prevalence of diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) and vestibular dysfunction (VD) in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy. 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. 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. 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.