CENTRAL MOTOR CONDUCTION AFTER MAGNETIC STIMULATION IN DIABETES

Central motor conduction times (CMCTs), obtained by means of magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex and spinal roots, were studied in 138 patients affected by diabetes mellitus but with no signs or symptoms o f central nervous system (CNS) involvement. CMCTs were significantly i ncreased in diabetic patients (p < 0.001, t-test) with respect to norm al controls, with values exceeding upper confidence limits (mean +/- 2 .5 SD of controls) in about 30% of patients. There was no correlation between CMCT delay and type of diabetes (insulin-dependent or non-insu lin-dependent), patient age, disease duration, degree of metabolic con trol compensation, presence or absence of retinopathy or nephropathy, and presence or absence of peripheral or autonomic neuropathy. CNS inv olvement in diabetes mellitus is discussed. Particular emphasis is giv en to the sensitivity and reliability of CMCTs obtained by means of ma gnetic stimulation as a tool in the early diagnosis of CNS functional alterations in diabetes mellitus.