Neuropathic symptoms in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients persist at six months, despite early glycaemic improvements

In a six‐month prospective study we compared 16 type 2 diabetic patients, who presented at diagnosis with neuropathic symptoms, with 16 asymptomatic newly diagnosed subjects. All patients had quantitative sensory testing for neuropathy by means of vibration perception threshold (VPT) testing measurements using a neurothesiometer. Both groups received similar intensive diabetes management to achieve optimal target HbA_1c, with review of symptoms and assessment of neuropathy at six months. Despite some improvements in VPT, pain scores and symptoms were unaffected at six months, indicating likely poor reversibility of symptomatic neuropathy even at such an early stage in the course of type 2 diabetes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.