Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background and objectives: There are many studies showing involvement of the peripheral and autonomic nervous system in type 2 diabetes, but very few evidences are present in the literature for central diabetic neuropathy. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate whether the brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) study can be used to detect subclinical central diabetic neuropathy at an early stage of the disease. Materials and methods: The BAEPs were studied in 30 patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus, aged 46–75 years, and compared with the control group. Statistical analysis was performed by using t-test and Pearson's correlation. Results: There was significant increase in right ear absolute peak latencies of waves I-V and latencies of waves I, II, V and IPL (inter-peak latency) III–V of left ear in diabetic patients. There were no significant correlations between the duration of diabetes, glycaemic levels of patients and the latencies of wave V of both ears. Interpretation: Diabetics had significantly prolonged BAEP latencies, which were neither correlated with plasma glucose levels nor with duration of the disease when compared with age- and sex-matched controls. Conclusions: Diabetes affects the central nervous system and that can be detected easily by the BAEPs at an early stage of the disease.