Background: Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus, affecting both sensory and motor nerve functions. Understanding the extent and nature of these dysfunctions can aid in better clinical management and improve quality of life. Aim: This study aims to compare sensory and motor peripheral nerve functions between elderly diabetic patients and non-diabetic controls in a tertiary care hospital. Methods A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate sensory and motor peripheral nerve functions in 90 elderly diabetic patients and 90 non-diabetic controls. Participants were selected based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria to minimize bias. Data collection included clinical examinations and electrophysiological studies. Results: The study of 180 participants revealed significant impairments in sensory and motor nerve functions in diabetic patients. Diabetic patients had reduced vibration sense (8.5 ± 2.1 vs. 12.3 ± 1.8 seconds, p < 0.001), higher pinprick sensation scores (2.4 ± 0.6 vs. 1.2 ± 0.3, p < 0.001), lower muscle strength (3.8 ± 0.7 vs. 4.5 ± 0.4, p < 0.001), and abnormal electrophysiological parameters, including reduced motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities (38.2 ± 3.5 vs. 52.1 ± 4.2 m/s and 41.8 ± 3.2 vs. 54.7 ± 4.1 m/s, p < 0.001) and increased latencies (4.7 ± 0.6 vs. 3.1 ± 0.4 ms and 3.9 ± 0.5 vs. 2.5 ± 0.3 ms, p < 0.001). These results indicate significant peripheral neuropathy in elderly diabetic patients. Conclusion: Elderly patients with diabetes mellitus exhibit greater impairment in peripheral nerve functions compared to non-diabetic controls. Sensory nerves are more susceptible to dysfunction than motor nerves in diabetic patients. Recommendations: Regular screening for peripheral neuropathy should be integrated into the routine management of elderly diabetic patients. Early detection and intervention can help mitigate the progression of nerve damage and improve patient outcomes.

Background: Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus, affecting both sensory and motor nerve functions. Understanding the extent and nature of these dysfunctions can aid in better clinical management and improve quality of life. Aim: This study aims to compare sensory and motor peripheral nerve functions between elderly diabetic patients and non-diabetic controls in a tertiary care hospital. Methods A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate sensory and motor peripheral nerve functions in 90 elderly diabetic patients and 90 non-diabetic controls. Participants were selected based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria to minimize bias. Data collection included clinical examinations and electrophysiological studies. Results: The study of 180 participants revealed significant impairments in sensory and motor nerve functions in diabetic patients. Diabetic patients had reduced vibration sense (8.5 ± 2.1 vs. 12.3 ± 1.8 seconds, p < 0.001), higher pinprick sensation scores (2.4 ± 0.6 vs. 1.2 ± 0.3, p < 0.001), lower muscle strength (3.8 ± 0.7 vs. 4.5 ± 0.4, p < 0.001), and abnormal electrophysiological parameters, including reduced motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities (38.2 ± 3.5 vs. 52.1 ± 4.2 m/s and 41.8 ± 3.2 vs. 54.7 ± 4.1 m/s, p < 0.001) and increased latencies (4.7 ± 0.6 vs. 3.1 ± 0.4 ms and 3.9 ± 0.5 vs. 2.5 ± 0.3 ms, p < 0.001). These results indicate significant peripheral neuropathy in elderly diabetic patients. Conclusion: Elderly patients with diabetes mellitus exhibit greater impairment in peripheral nerve functions compared to non-diabetic controls. Sensory nerves are more susceptible to dysfunction than motor nerves in diabetic patients. Recommendations: Regular screening for peripheral neuropathy should be integrated into the routine management of elderly diabetic patients. Early detection and intervention can help mitigate the progression of nerve damage and improve patient outcomes.