Quantitative sensory testing and risk factors of diabetic sensory neuropathy

The goal of this study was to identify risk factors for diabetic peripheral sensory neuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Chinese population. Pe ripheral sensory neuropathy was detected by quantitative sensory testing (5 .07/10 g monofilament, neurometer and 128-Hz Riedel Seiffert graduated tuni ng fork). Those who had two or more abnormal quantitative sensory testings were defined as having diabetic sensory neuropathy. Of the 558 non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitits subjects, 62 (11.1 %) had peripheral neuropath y. In 59 (10.6%) detection was by monofilament testing, 45 (8.1%) by gradua ted tuning fork, and 189 (33.9%) by neurometer. In a multivariate logistic regression model, age and insulin therapy were significantly associated wit h peripheral neuropathy,Age, Serum triglyceride, height, and fasting plasma glucose were independently associated with large fiber neuropathy. Our res ults confirm the previously identifed multiple risk factors of diabetic neu ropathy. Different quantitative sensory testings detect different nerve fib er defects. The weak correlation between these tears indicates the need to use more than one test in screening for diabetic neuropathy.