Relationship between corneal confocal microscopy and markers of peripheral nerve structure and function in Type 2 diabetes

Aims To investigate changes in corneal nerve morphology in Type 2 diabetes and to establish relationships between in vivo corneal confocal microscopy and markers of peripheral nerve structure and function. Participants and methods We recruited 57 participants with Type 2 diabetes and 26 healthy controls of similar age and sex distribution. We also recruited a disease control group of 54 participants with Type 1 diabetes. All participants were assessed for distal symmetrical polyneuropathy using the Total Neuropathy Score. In vivo corneal confocal microscopy was used to assess corneal nerve fibre length, corneal nerve fibre density, corneal nerve branch density and inferior whorl length. Peripheral nerve structure was assessed using median nerve ultrasonography. Large fibre function was assessed according to median nerve axonal excitability. Small fibre function was assessed using SudoscanTM and the Survey of Autonomic Symptoms. Results Corneal nerve fibre length, fibre density and branch density and inferior whorl length were significantly lower in individuals with Type 2 diabetes compared to controls (P