Diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus that can lead to pain, sensory loss, foot ulcers, and disability. Early detection is important, but standard diagnostic tests such as nerve conduction studies are not always easily accessible in routine clinical practice.
This study aims to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of two simple clinical tools, the Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS) and the Neuropathy Symptom Score (NSS), for screening diabetic peripheral neuropathy. These tools are based on patient-reported symptoms and bedside neurological examination and may provide a practical alternative for early detection.
In this cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy study, adult patients with diabetes will be recruited from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Participants will undergo clinical assessments, questionnaires, laboratory investigations, and neurophysiological testing, including nerve conduction studies, which will serve as the reference standard. The performance of NDS and NSS will be analyzed to determine their sensitivity, specificity, and overall diagnostic value.
The results of this study may support the use of simple, accessible screening tools for early identification of diabetic neuropathy, potentially improving patient care and reducing complications.