Longitudinal effects of one‐leg standing time on neuropathy outcomes in association with glycemic control in non‐elderly patients with type 2 diabetes

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Diabetic neuropathy leads to postural instability. This study compared longitudinal changes in neuropathy outcomes relative to long‐term glycemic control in patients aged <60 years with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes with and without a short one‐leg standing time (OLST <60 s). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 58 hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes (glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] >7.0%; aged 17–59 years), who underwent re‐evaluation of neuropathic sensory symptoms, ankle reflexes and nerve conduction attributes, and cardiac autonomic function (R‐R interval), >1 year after discharge were divided into OLST <60 and ≥60 s groups. Patients were followed up every 2–3 months for HbA1c levels for up to 8 years. Neuropathy outcomes relative to OLST and HbA1c levels at baseline and over follow up were compared. RESULTS: Additional development of sensory symptoms (one patient) and abnormal ankle reflexes (five patients) were identified during follow up, and decreased peripheral and cardiac autonomic function at both baseline and follow up, only in patients with OLST <60 s. Mean HbA1c levels were significantly higher in patients with OLST <60 s versus ≥60 s (7.8 ± 0.9% vs 7.2 ± 1.2%; P = 0.022). Better glycemic control during follow up was associated with better neuropathy outcomes only in patients with OLST ≥60 s. CONCLUSION: Non‐elderly type 2 diabetes patients with OLST <60 s and decreased peripheral nerve function at baseline are at increased risk for intractable diabetic neuropathy. Better glycemic control alone might not improve neuropathy outcomes in these patients.