Association of Diabetic Polyneuropathy and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Role of Glycemic Control and Microvascular Complications

Abstract

Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is more common in diabetes mellitus (DM), especially in individuals with diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN). This study aimed to retrospectively investigate the effects of elevated glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, duration of diabetes, and other microvascular complications of DM on the frequency and severity of CTS in patients with DPN. Material and methods: 124 DPN patients were included in the study. In these patients, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c levels, duration of DM, antidiabetic drugs used, comorbidities, and other complications of diabetes were questioned. According to the results of the electrophysiological examination, the patients were divided into 2 groups: those with only DPN and those with DPN + CTS. Results: When diabetes complications were investigated, diabetic nephropathy was found only in those with DPN + CTS (p=0.045). Electrophysiologically, in sensory fibers in all patients, In 43 patients (34.7%), involvement of motor fibers was accompanied. A positive correlation was found between the severity of CTS and duration of diabetes, FBG and HbA1c levels, and subcutaneous insulin use (p=0.018, p=0.014, p=0.003, p=0.029, respectively). Conclusion: Good glycemic control can reduce the risk of developing CTS with microvascular complications of diabetes. Therefore, it is important for patients to protect their hand function and prevent the development of CTS by being informed about the complications of diabetes.

Keywords

• carpal tunnel syndrome
• diabetic polyneuropathy
• hba1c
• microvascular complications
• glycemic control
• karpal tünel sendromu
• diyabetik polinöropati
• hba1c
• mikrovasküler komplikasyonlar
• glisemik kontrol