Peripheral neuropathy defined by monofilament insensitivity and diabetes status: NHANES 1999-2004

To determine whether diabetes status, including prediabetes, is associated with increased risk of peripheral neuropathy as defined by monofilament insensitivity.

This study used data from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 7,818). Peripheral neuropathy was defined as one or more insensate sites detected by a Semmes-Weinstein 10-g monofilament. Generalized linear models were used to directly estimate relative risks (RRs) for the association of diabetes status and peripheral neuropathy.

After adjustment compared with no diabetes, prediabetes [RR 1.11 (95% CI 0.92-1.34)] and undiagnosed diabetes [1.08 (0.73-1.61)] were associated with modest increases in risk of peripheral neuropathy, and diabetes was associated with a 74% higher risk of peripheral neuropathy [1.74 (1.50-2.01)].

Diabetes is associated with increased risk of peripheral neuropathy defined by monofilament insensitivity, but prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes may be associated with only a modest increase in risk.