Effect of artificial pancreas treatment on peripheral nerve function in diabetes

To determine whether the complete correction of hyperglycemia of diabetes can rapidly improve abnormal peripheral nerve function, eight hyperglycemic insulin-requiring diabetics underwent 3 days of glucose control with an artificial endocrine pancreas, the Biostatorb Glucose Controller. Comparison of neurologic assessment before and after BIOSTATOR treatment showed improvement only in ulnar sensory conduction velocity (+ 3.2 21.4 meters per second, p < 0.032) and no significant changes in 24 other nerve conduction measurements, computer-assisted sensory examination, and scored neurologic assessment. Any significant beneficial effect on nerve function resulting from correction of hyperglycemia probably requires more than 3 days to be manifested.