Significance of quantitative sensory testing in the diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy

To investigate the significance of quantitative sensory testing in the diagnosis of early diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

One hundred ninety-six patients with diabetes with neurological deficits were determined by nerve conduction studies and quantitative sensory testing. Seventy-seven age-matched healthy controls were determined by quantitative sensory testing. Results were analyzed statistically.

Cold thresholds of shorter-term patients (course of disease ≤ 5 years) were lower than controls. Warm thresholds of longer-term patients (course of disease >5 years) were higher than with shorter-term patients. Warm thresholds of patients with normal nerve conduction studies were higher than controls (P < 0.05). The frequency of abnormality of quantitative sensory testing of longer-term patients was higher than with shorter duration patients. The frequency of abnormality was 36.7% and 72.3%, respectively, in the dorsum (P < 0.05).

Quantitative sensory testing is sensitive for the diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, especially for warm thresholds in the dorsum of the foot. Quantitative sensory testing is necessary to assist nerve conduction studies in the diagnosis of early diabetic peripheral neuropathy.