Improved metabolic control using glucose monitoring systems leads to improvement in vibration perception thresholds in type 1 diabetes patients

Aims Few studies have examined how improved metabolic control might influence vibration perception thresholds (VPTs). The aim of this study was to evaluate if improved HbA 1c can influence vibration thresholds in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Methods VPTs were investigated at six frequencies (4–125 Hz) using VibroSense Meter in the sole of the foot at two occasions in 159 T1DM patients, at the heads of the first and fifth metatarsal bones, i.e. MTH1 and MTH5, respectively. The participants were divided into three groups: group A: HbA 1c improved by more than 1 mmol/mol ( n = 95), group B: HbA 1c deteriorated by more than 1 mmol/mol ( n = 48) and group C: HbA 1c unchanged (± 1 mmol/mol) ( n = 16) compared to baseline. Results In group A, the mean z -score, reflecting the combined effect of all VPTs, improved being lower at the follow-up than at the baseline [0.2 (− 0.3 to 1.2) vs. −0.1 (− 0.7 to 0.8), p = 0.00002]. VPTs improved at 4 and 64 Hz at both MTH1 (metatarsal head 1) and MTH5. The VPTs at 125 Hz frequency improved at MTH5, but not at MTH1. No significant differences were seen in group B or group C. Conclusions Lower HbA 1c and lower VPTs in T1DM patients were associated with improved VPT, suggesting a reversible effect on nerve function by improved metabolic control.