Al Ameen Journal of Medical Sciences (Jul 2011)
Assessment of Auditory and Visual Reaction Time in Type 2 Diabetics –A Case Control Study
Abstract
Background: Focussing on Type 2 diabetes a worldwide epidemic, we used visual and auditory reaction time as a tool to detect neuropathy a common complication of diabetes so that we could prevent further damage to nerves. Material and Methods: cases and controls were enrolled based on detailed questionnaire and informed consent was obtained .The study was conducted at Salem in the month of July 2010 which included 40 type 2 diabetic subjects from a private hospital in Salem. The mean age of type 2 diabetic subjects was 49.8 years and that of control 44.8 years cases and controls were age matched. Inclusion Criteria: AGE 40-60 Years. Cases; Type 2 Diabetics under control. Control: Healthy subjects without Diabetes, Hypertension, visual and auditory disturbance. Exclusion Criteria: Alcoholics, subjects on insulin, diabetes with complication, subjects with auditory and visual disturbances. PC1000Hz reaction timer was used to measure auditory and visual reaction time. Results: paired t- test was applied for two groups for significance difference. The visual reaction time was significant with p value = .001 and for auditory reaction time p value =.000. Conclusion: Auditory and visual reaction was prolonged in type 2 diabetics on oral medication when compared with non diabetics of same age group. It could be because of the neuropathic changes in diabetes. This can be routinely applied to monitor neuropathic changes in diabetes and its prognosis with treatment.
