VALUE OF GALVANIC SKIN RESISTANCE IN ASSESSMENT OF DIABETIC AUTONOMIC NEUROPATHY

Abstract Introduction Diabetes Mellitus is the most common metabolic disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Diabetes Mellitus related autonomic neuropathy can involve multiple systems such as cardiovascular and sudomotor systems. Reports of sudden death have also been attributed to autonomic neuropathy. Anhidrosis of the feet can promote dry skin, cracking which increase the risk of foot ulcers. The sudomotor function is assessed by galvanic skin resistance, which when increased acts as a predictor for early sign of autonomic neuropathy. The study is undertaken after getting Institutional Ethical Committee clearance.Aim1.To record and measure the Galvanic Skin Resistance (GSR) and its variation along with postural change in the study group and control group.2.To compare the results obtained. Methodology The study was conducted at Physiology Department, Tirunelveli Medical College, Tirunelveli. Ten normal volunteers and forty diabetic patients attending the diabetic OP at Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital in the age group of 40-60 yrs were selected for this study. After getting the informed consent , proforma were filled with required data such as name, age, sex etc.Exclusion criteria 1.Diabetic patients with the symptoms of numbness in the extremities . 2. Those with ho regular alcohol intake, taking drugs like beta blockers. 3. any other neuropathy . GSR was recorded in the selected individuals with the equipment Physiopac , using the appropriate procedure. The GSR recorded was measured in sitting and standing postures in each individual. The values were arrived at and compared in age and sex matched controls with the diabetic individuals. Both the control group and diabetics were found to have significant reduction in percentage decrease in the GSR, but the reduction is less in diabetics.