Avachar Kiran Narayan et al/ International Journal of Biomedical and Advance Research 2015; 6(07): 537-540. 537 IJBAR (2015) 6 (07) www.ssjournals.com International Journal of Biomedical and Advance Research ISSN: 2229-3809 (Online); 2455-0558 (Print) Journal DOI: 10.7439/ijbar CODEN: IJBABN Original Research Article Visual evoked potential changes in diabetes mellitus Avachar Kiran Narayan *1 , Sonawane Nikhil Pandurang 2 , Mundewadi Shafique Ahmed 3 and Shrinivas Janardan Kashalikar 1 1 Department of Physiology, SMBT Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Nandi – hills, Dhamangaon, Tal - Igatpuri, Dist – Nashik, Maharashtra, India 2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, SMBT Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Center, Nandi – hills, Dhamangaon, Tal - Igatpuri, Dist – Nashik, Maharashtra, India, 3 Department of Physiology, Dr. V. M. Govt. Medical College, Solapur, Maharashtra *Correspondence Info: Dr. Avachar Kiran Narayan Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology SMBT Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre Nandi – hills, Dhamangaon, Tal - Igatpuri, Dist – Nashik, Maharashtra E-mail: drkiransonawane83@gmail.com Abstract Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) a metabolic disorder is the most common cause of neuropathy. Electrophysiological studies are commonly employed to detect the neuropathy. The present study was undertaken to find out the utility of visual evoked potential (VEP) as an early indicator of central neuropathy in diabetic patients. Materials & methods: The present study was carried out in 60 healthy subjects and 60 diagnosed DM patients of age group 20 to 40 years. Visual evoked potential (VEP) tests were recorded in sports physiology laboratory of Medical College on an outpatient basis, using RMS EMG.EP machine. It is to find out whether the VEP latencies are altered in diabetes or not. Result: In our study there is statistically significant increase in latencies of P100 waves of both eyes in diabetic patients as compared to control subjects (p < 0.001). The N75-P100 amplitude is decreased in diabetic patients as compared to control subject but it is not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The abnormalities in the VEP response occur in diabetic patients before the development of overt retinopathy. So, VEP measurements can be used for the early diagnosis of central neuropathy to offer an early opportunity for proper management. Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus (DM), VEP, P100 wave, retinopathy 1. Introduction DM is an endocrine disorder that is characterized by defect in insulin secretion &/or insulin action resulting in hyperglycaemia. Diabetic neuropathies (DN) are neuropathic disorders that are thought to result from diabetic microvascular injury involving small blood vessels that supply nerves (vasa nervosum) in addition to macrovascular conditions that can culminate in DN cause significant morbidity & mortality. Electrical potentials that occur in the cortex after stimulation of a sense organ, which can be recorded by surface electrodes, are known as Evoked Potentials [EP]. E.g. Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SEP), Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) and Visual Evoked Potential (VEP). Previous studies have shown the peripheral nervous system involvement in diabetes mellitus. However, little is known about the central nervous system involvement in diabetes. Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) could be used to evaluate disturbances in the central visual pathways. [1] VEPs are produced by electrical activity of the visual cortex in response to light or pattern stimulation of the eye. It can detect functional loss in the visual pathway from retina to the visual cortex. [2] In diabetes mellitus, visual deficit appears to result from both vascular disease and metabolic abnormalities, which can affect the retina, optic nerve and visual pathways.