Effect of Duration of Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus on Audio-Visual Reaction Time: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that may affect the peripheral and central nervous systems, potentially influencing reaction time (RT) and functional performance. This study aimed to assess auditory and visual reaction times using a standardized reaction-time apparatus among individuals with T2DM and compare RT performance according to diabetes duration.  

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 30 individuals with T2DM. Participants were divided into Group A (0-5 years; n=15) and Group B (>5 years; n=15). Simple, discriminatory, and choice auditory and visual RTs were assessed using a standardized reaction-time apparatus developed by Anand Agencies, Pune. Between-group comparisons were performed using the independent-samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, as appropriate. Within-group comparisons were performed using the Friedman test.  

Results: No significant differences were observed between groups for simple auditory, simple visual, discriminatory visual, choice auditory, or choice visual RTs (p>0.05). A significant difference was observed in discriminatory auditory RT (U=169.00, p=0.020), with Group A showing a higher mean RT (0.695 ± 0.198 s) than Group B (0.557 ± 0.141 s).  

Conclusion: Diabetes duration was not consistently associated with auditory or visual reaction-time performance. The findings suggest that diabetes duration alone may not adequately reflect the neurological effects of T2DM.