Correlation between plantar foot temperature and diabetic neuropathy: a case study by using an infrared thermal imaging technique

Background

Diabetic neuropathy consists of multiple clinical manifestations of which loss of sensation is most prominent. High temperatures under the foot coupled with reduced or complete loss of sensation can predispose the patient to foot ulceration. The aim of this study was to look at the correlation between plantar foot temperature and diabetic neuropathy using a noninvasive infrared thermal imaging technique.

Methods

Infrared thermal imaging, a remote and noncontact experimental tool, was used to study the plantar foot temperatures of 112 subjects with type 2 diabetes selected from a tertiary diabetes centre in South India.

Results

Patients with diabetic neuropathy (defined as vibration perception threshold (VPT) values on biothesiometry greater than 20 V) had a higher foot temperature (32–35 °C) compared to patients without neuropathy (27–30 °C). Diabetic subjects with neuropathy also had higher mean foot temperature (MFT) (p = .001) compared to non-neuropathic subjects. MFT also showed a positive correlation with right great toe (r = 0.301, p = .001) and left great toe VPT values (r = 0.292, p = .002). However, there was no correlation between glycated hemoglobin and MFT.

Conclusion

Infrared thermal imaging may be used as an additional tool for evaluation of high risk diabetic feet.     

Effect of Low Level Laser Therapy on serum vitamin D and magnesium levels in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy – A pilot study

BackgroundDiabetic Peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most distressing complication of diabetic population leading to loss of sensation, pain, and amputation. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used to manage nerve injuries as it holds the potential to induce a biostimulatory effect with no side effects. Hence we planned to study the biochemical effect and therapeutic outcomes of LLLT on patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy as a preliminary work.Materials and methodsPre-posttest analysis was done on 40 patients diagnosed with DPN confirmed using 10 g Monofilament test and Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI). Vibration sensation and pain measured by Vibration perception threshold (VPT) and Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS). All patients were given LLLT (3.1 J/cm²) on plantar and dorsal of the foot for 10 days. Serum samples were collected at baseline and 4 weeks after LLLT to estimate Vitamin D and Magnesium and compared the results.ResultsThere was a significant increase in Vitamin D and Magnesium levels after LLLT. We observed a considerable improvement in the quality of life after LLLT demonstrated by a decrease in VPT and MNSI and a reduction in NPRS in DPN patients.ConclusionIn this study, we found that LLLT improved the QL and hence may be a useful therapeutic option in treating peripheral neuropathic pain in type 2 diabetic patients. The progress in the serum Magnesium and Vit. D levels were proportional to the QL and may be a good indicator of the prognosis of DPN after LLLT.     

Abnormalities of foot pressure in early diabetic neuropathy

Dynamic foot pressure has been studied in 44 diabetic subjects of mean age 52 years with no clinical evidence of neuropathy and in an age and sex matched non-diabetic control group. Vibration perception threshold (VPT), sensory (SCV), and motor conduction velocities (MCV) were also measured in the diabetic subjects. Sixteen diabetic subjects (Group A) had abnormally high pressures under the metatarsal heads (greater than 10 kg/cm2), whereas the remaining 28 diabetic subjects had normal results (Group B). The ratio of toe to metatarsal head loading (normal 0.112) was significantly reduced in Group A (0.077) compared to Group B (0.127: p less than 0.05). VPT and sural nerve SCV were also significantly abnormal in Group A subjects compared with Group B (p less than 0.005 and p less than 0.02, respectively), though there were no differences in MCV. A significant inverse correlation was obtained between toe loading and VPT. It is concluded that abnormalities of foot pressure occur in early sensory neuropathy and may precede clinical abnormalities. Assessment of the toe-loading ratio may provide a sensitive measure of motor dysfunction in early diabetic neuropathy.     

Factors associated with relative muscle strength in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

ObjectivesSome patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) experience decreased mobility associated with lower relative muscle strength (normalized with muscle mass). This study aimed to identify factors predicting relative muscle strength of patients with T2DM assessed at regular clinical visits.MethodsA total of 144 T2DM patients underwent fasting blood drawing (determining white blood cell count [WBC], diabetic kidney disease [DKD], and glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c]) and the assessment of body composition, diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), activity level, and muscle strength (grip, knee extensor, and ankle plantar flexor strength). One-way ANOVA and multiple regression models were used to identify factors associated with the relative muscle strength.ResultsOur data showed that age, diabetes duration, fat percentage, WBC, DPN, and DKD were negatively associated with the relative muscle strength. Specifically, a greater WBC was associated with lower relative muscle strength of both distal and proximal muscle groups of extremities after the adjustment of other associated factors. DPN was associated with lower relative strength of the distal muscle groups of extremities.ConclusionsWBC may be used as a marker of inflammation, and greater count, even within the normal range, is negatively associated with the relative muscle strength in patients with T2DM.     

Comparison of vibration perception thresholds obtained with the Neurothesiometer and the CASE IV and relationship to nerve conduction studies.

AIMS: Vibration perception thresholds (VPTs) are used frequently to assess somatosensory pathways in clinical trials. Different equipment, testing paradigms, and stimulation sites produce varying results which make comparisons between trials and patient populations challenging. Information comparing the VPT obtained with the Neurothesiometer with that with the Vibratron is available, but not for a similar comparison with the CASE IV (computer-assisted sensory examination device). METHODS: Subjects (n = 478) including reference, non-neuropathic subjects with diabetes mellitus (DM), and diabetic patients with mild, moderate and severe diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSP) had VPTs measured with the CASE IV and Neurothesiometer, as well as standard sural nerve conduction studies (NCS), all performed during the same half-day. The dorsum of the foot was used as the site of stimulation for the CASE IV VPT determination and the distal phalanx of the first toe for the Neurothesiometer. RESULTS: VPTs by the CASE IV and the Neurothesiometer compared moderately by linear regression analyses (R2 = 0.547, P < 0.0001), and by 95% confidence intervals. Sensitivity for the diagnosis of mild DSP was 70% with the Neurothesiometer and 49% with the CASE IV. VPTs determined by either the Neurothesiometer or the CASE IV correlated with similar agreement to the sural nerve action potential amplitude as determined by nerve conduction studies (NCS) (R2 = 0.456 and 0.461, respectively, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated a significant correlation of VPT values in different stages of DSP obtained by the two methods. The Neurothesiometer was more sensitive for the diagnosis of DSP, particularly in those with mild neuropathy. Similar correlations between VPTs and electrophysiological parameters were observed, indicating that both methods are valid, and thus the Neurothesiometer may be preferable due to the ease and rapidity of testing by this method.     

The role of Sudoscan feet asymmetry in the diabetic foot

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Sudoscan asymmetry parameters in the diabetic foot.Patients and methodsIn this study we included 165 participants: 84 type 2 diabetes patients divided into three HbA1c matched groups – group 1: newly diagnosed diabetics (n = 31), group 2: people with longer diabetes duration and established neuropathy (n = 33), group 3: patients with diabetic foot ulcer (n = 20), and a control group of 81 people with prediabetes. All subjects underwent peripheral sudomotor evaluation using Sudoscan device (Impeto Medical, Paris).ResultsPatients with diabetic foot had significantly higher Sudoscan feet asymmetry (19.6%) compared to those with only diabetic neuropathy (7.9%), compared to the group with newly diagnosed diabetes (7.44%), and compared to controls (2.5%). This test has shown a good discriminative value (with a threshold of 9.5%) for diabetic foot with area under the ROC curve of 0.955 (p = 0.001). Additionally, in a regression model feet asymmetry proved its predictive value for participants with diabetic foot.ConclusionIn this study Sudoscan feet asymmetry proved to be a novel discriminator and predictor for diabetic foot patients. It might be considered as a marker for early damage in the neuropathy evaluation protocol.     

Non-invasive and quantitative assessment of sudomotor function for peripheral diabetic neuropathy evaluation

Aims

Perturbation of pain sensation is considered one of the major initiating risk factors for diabetic foot ulcer. Sweat dysfunction leading to abnormal skin conditions, including dryness and fissures, can increase foot ulcer risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate Sudoscan™, a new, quick, non-invasive and quantitative method of measuring sudomotor dysfunction as a co-indicator of the severity of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN).

Methods

A total of 142 diabetic patients (age 62 ± 18 years, diabetes duration 13 ± 14 years, HbA_1c 8.9 ± 2.5%) were measured for vibration perception threshold (VPT), using a biothesiometer, and for sudomotor dysfunction, using electrochemical sweat conductance (ESC) based on the electrochemical reaction between sweat chloride and electrodes in contact with the hands and feet. Retinopathy status was also assessed, as well as reproducibility between two ESC measurements and the effect of glycaemia levels.

Results

ESC measurements in the feet of patients showed a descending trend from 66 ± 17 μS to 43 ± 39 μS, corresponding to an ascending trend in VPT threshold from < 15 V to > 25 V (P = 0.001). Correlation between VPT and ESC was −0.45 (P < 0.0001). Foot ESC was lower in patients with fissures, while VPT was comparable. Both VPT and foot ESC correlated with retinopathy status. Bland–Altman plots indicated good reproducibility between two measurements, and between low and high glycaemia levels.

Conclusion

Sudoscan™ is a reproducible technique with results that are not influenced by blood glucose levels. Sweating status may be a quantitative indicator of the severity of polyneuropathy that may be useful for the early prevention of foot skin lesions.     

Investigation of Shore meter in assessing foot sole hardness in patients with diabetes mellitus - a pilot study

Understanding the biomechanical properties of the diabetic foot may detect the foot at risk of ulceration. Increased foot sole hardness and the peripheral neuropathy are suggested to be important risk factors for foot ulceration, in subject with diabetes. Therefore this study was to investigate the feasibility of measuring and variation of foot sole hardness in patients with diabetes. Assessment was performed on 30 subjects aged from forty to seventy years, classified into three groups: 10 subjects with diabetic neuropathy (Group A), 10 subjects without diabetic neuropathy (Group B) and 10 non-diabetes subjects without neuropathy (Group C). Subjects underwent an assessment of loss of protective sensation (LOPS) by means of a 10 gm Semmes Weinstein monofilament and measurement of foot sole hardness by means of a durometer (ASTM-D 2240) or shore meter in eight foot sole areas. Imperceptions of the 5.07 / 10 gm Semmes-Weinstein monofilament at four or more of the eight foot sole areas was considered the threshold for neuropathy. Data was analyzed using ANOVA to detect significant difference between the groups and also Dunnett??s pair wise multiple comparison t-tests was used to compare Groups A and B against the control mean (Group C). Our result shows statistical significant (P?<?0.05) differences between Groups A and C in all foot areas, except area 6. Also significant differences were found in areas 5, 7 and 8 while comparing Groups B and C in both feet. We conclude that difference and variation in foot sole hardness were found to be significantly different in subjects with and without diabetic neuropathy using shore meter. Hence shore meter was more sensitive and provided a feasible means of measuring foot sole hardness in subjects with diabetic neuropathy. Foot sole hardness in diabetic feet can be considered as potential determinant of the foot sole ulcerations.     

2型糖尿病患者听觉阈值与周围神经病变的关系分析

目的 通过比较无糖尿病的人群和2型糖尿病患者的纯音听阈值、振动觉阈值(VPT),了解2型糖尿病患者周围神经病变(DPN)与耳聋的关系.方法 测定173例研究对象的VPT及纯音听阈值,2型糖尿病患者同时测定感觉神经传导速度(SCV)和运动神经传导速度(MCV),将其分为对照组35例,无糖尿病神经病变组74例,糖尿病伴神经病变组64例.比较3组的基本情况、感音神经性耳聋(SNHL)发生率、纯音听阈值和VPT值,分析听阈值和神经传导速度的关系.结果 伴神经病变的糖尿病组SNHL发生率为29.69%,明显高于无糖尿病神经病变组(17.57%)和对照组(17.14%),且3组的年龄、糖尿病病程、HbA1c、糖化血清蛋白(GA)、空腹血糖、餐后2 h血糖、VPT和听阈值之间有显著性差异(均P＜0.05).不同VPT亚组的听阈值之间也存在明显差异(均P＜0.05).正中神经传导速度与1.00、2.00、4.00、8.00kHz听阈值呈明显负相关,logistic回归分析显示,年龄(回归系数=0.088,P＜0.01)是SNHL的独立危险因素,正中神经MCV(回归系数=-0.135,P=0.046)是影响SNHL的重要因素.结论 糖尿病患者易影响中高频听力,DPN患者常同时合并听力受损,年龄、正中神经MCV是影响SNHL的主要危险因素.

Abstract：

Objective In order to investigate the relationship between hearing loss and diabetic peripheral neuropathy( DPN ) via comparing the pure tone thresholds and vibration perception threshold(VPT) in type 2 diabetic patients and control person without diabetes. Methods 173 subjects including 138 type 2 diabetic patients(DM)and 35 non-diabetes controls were examined for VPT and hearing threshold. Nerve conducting velocity ( NCV )including sensory nerve conducting velocity( SCV )and motorial nerve conducting velocity( MCV )of diabetic patients were determined. The participants were divided into three groups: control group (n = 35 ), DM group without peripheral neuropathy( non-PN group, n = 74 ), and DM group complicated with peripheral neuropathy (PN group,n = 64 ). The clinical characteristics, biochemical parameters , the incidence of sensorineural hearing loss ( SNHL),pure tone threshold, and VPT were compared among three groups. At last, the relationship between hearing thresholds and NCV were analyzed. Results The incidence of hearing impairment of sensorineural type was 29.69% in PN group, which was significantly higher than that of non-PN group( 17.57% )and control group( 17. 14% ). There was significant differences in age, duration of diabetes, glycolated hemoglobin (HbA1c), glycolated serum albumin ( GA), Fasting blood glucose( FPG), 2h postprandial blood glucose( PPG), VPT, and hearing threshold among the three groups( all P＜0. 05 ). The value of hearing threshold increased significantly( all P＜0. 05 ) in 3 VPT subgroups with VPT≤ 15 V, VPT 16-25 V, and VPT ＞25 V. The Spearman correlation analysis showed median NCV was negatively correlated with hearing threshold on 1.00, 2.00, 4. 00, and 8. 00 kHz ( All P ＜ 0. 05 ). The logistic regression analysis indicated that the age( regression coefficient =0. 088, P＜0. 01 ) was the independent risk factor of SNHL, median nerve MCV ( regression coefficient = -0. 135, P = 0. 046 ) was the important influencing factor of SNHL. Conclusion Diabetic patients are more likely to suffer from impaired middle-frequency and high-frequency hearing, DPN in patients is often complicated with hearing impairment. Age and median nerve MCV were major risk factors of SNHL in diabetic patients.     

Footwear and foot care knowledge as risk factors for foot problems in Indian diabetics

We assessed 300 diabetic and 100 age- and sex-matched controls for correlating foot wear practices and foot care knowledge and the presence of foot complications. A structured questionnaire evaluated the knowledge about foot care, type of footwear used, education level, association of tobacco abuse, and any associated symptoms of foot disease. Clinical evaluation was done by inspection of feet for presence of any external deformities, assessment of sensory function (vibration perception threshold, VPT), vascular status (foot pulses and ankle brachial ratio) and presence of any infection.In the diabetes category, 44.7% patients had not received previous foot care education. 0.6% walked barefoot outdoors and 45% walked barefoot indoors. Fourteen (4.7%) patients gave history of foot ulceration in the past and comprised the high risk group; only 2 out of 14 had received foot care education, 6 gave history of tobacco abuse, 8 had symptoms of claudication, 9 had paresthesias, 2 walked barefoot indoors. Average duration of diabetes in the high-risk and low-risk diabetes group was 10.85 ± 6.53 and 9.83 ± 7.99 years, respectively. In the high- and low-risk diabetic groups, VPT was 19.57 ± 11.26 and 15.20 ± 10.21V (P < 0.02), ankle brachial ratio was 1.05 ± 0.19 and 1.14 ± 0.18 (P < 0.05), and the questionnaire scores was 40.8% and 57%, respectively.In the diabetic and the control group, VPT was 15.62 ± 10.39 and 8.36 ± 3.61 V (P < 0.01), ankle brachial ratio was 1.14 ± 0.18 and 1.15 ± 0.12, and the questionnaire scores were 57% and 40.3%, respectively.In conclusion, poor knowledge of foot care and poor footwear practices were important risk factors for foot problems in diabetes.     

The Value of the Neurometer in Assessing Diabetic Neuropathy by Measurement of the Current Perception Threshold

The Neurometer is a relatively new device for assessing neuropathy by measuring current perception threshold (CPT). The study aim was to assess the ability of the Neurometer to distinguish between different types of nerve fibre damage by using different frequencies (2000 Hz, 250 Hz, and 5 Hz) of electric stimulus (high frequencies for large fibres and low frequencies for small fibres) and comparing the results with standard sensory tests of vibration perception threshold (VPT) and thermal perception threshold (TPT). CPT was determined on index finger and great toe of 51 patients with diabetic neuropathy and 28 non-diabetic control subjects, age and sex matched. CPT in neuropathic patients could be distinguished from controls at all three frequencies in both feet and hands (p < 0.05). The best correlation was found between CPT at 2000 Hz and VPT (r = 0.48, p < 0.001) in the feet suggesting a degree of neuroselectivity. Internal correlations between CPT at the three frequencies showed the weakest correlation between CPT at 2000 Hz and 5 Hz (r = 0.27, p < 0.005), suggesting also that possibly different types of fibres were examined. CPT reproducibility was better in control (CV = 6.4–27.7%), than in neuropathic subjects (CV = 28.4–52.3%), although the coefficient of variation was comparable to that of standard tests of sensory function, VPT and TPT. The Neurometer is a simple instrument to use in clinical practice. It has a degree of neuroselectivity but like all subjective sensory tests has a large variability.     

One‐stop microvascular screening service: an effective model for the early detection of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and the high‐risk foot

Aims

To evaluate the feasibility of a one‐stop microvascular screening service for the early diagnosis of diabetic distal symmetrical polyneuropathy, painful distal symmetrical polyneuropathy and the at‐risk diabetic foot.

Methods

People with diabetes attending retinal screening in hospital and community settings had their feet examined by a podiatrist. Assessment included: Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score evaluation; a 10‐g monofilament test; and two validated, objective and quick measures of neuropathy obtained using the point‐of‐care devices ‘DPN‐Check’, a hand‐held device that measures sural nerve conduction velocity and amplitude, and ‘Sudoscan’, a device that measures sudomotor function. The diagnostic utility of these devices was assessed against the Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score as the ‘gold standard’.

Results

A total of 236 consecutive people attending the retinal screening service, 18.9% of whom had never previously had their feet examined, were evaluated. The prevalence of distal symmetrical polyneuropathy, assessed using the Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score, was 30.9%, and was underestimated by 10‐g monofilament test (14.4%). The prevalence of distal symmetrical polyneuropathy using DPN‐check was 51.5% (84.3% sensitivity, 68.3% specificity), 38.2% using Sudoscan foot electrochemical skin conductance (77.4% sensitivity, 68.3% specificity), and 61.9% using abnormality in either of the results (93.2% sensitivity, 52.8% specificity). The results of both devices correlated with Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score (P<0.001). A new diagnosis of painful distal symmetrical polyneuropathy was made in 59 participants (25%), and 56.6% had moderate‐ or high‐risk foot. Participants rated the service very highly.

Conclusions

Combined, eye, foot and renal screening is feasible, has a high uptake, reduces clinic visits, and identifies painful distal symmetrical polyneuropathy and the at‐risk foot. Combined large‐ and small‐nerve‐fibre assessment using non‐invasive, quantitative and quick point‐of‐care devices may be an effective model for the early diagnosis of distal symmetrical polyneuropathy.     

Motor dysfunction in diabetes

Neuropathy is a frequent complication in diabetes and most commonly seen as distal symmetrical sensorimotor polyneuropathy (PN). Involvement of the motor system is infrequently seen at the clinical examination. However, with the application of quantitative techniques, that is, isokinetic dynamometry, type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients have been detected to have weakness at the ankle and the knee. Muscle weakness is found only in diabetic patients with PN, while non-neuropathic patients even with long-term diabetes have normal strength. The weakness is closely related to signs and severity of PN. With the use of magnetic resonance imaging, muscle weakness is found to be paralleled by muscular atrophy, which is observed in the feet and at the lower leg. Following diabetic patients for 8-10 years, we have observed accelerated loss of muscle strength in patients with symptomatic PN; similarly, accelerated loss of muscle mass is observed in the feet and lower legs. In large-scale studies of diabetic and non-diabetic subjects, lower muscle quality in diabetic patients is also found. Thus, in addition to PN, diabetes per se leads to lower strength per unit striated muscle. Muscle weakness is related to the slowing of movements, unstable gait, and more frequent falls. Furthermore, motor dysfunction leads to an increased risk of developing a foot ulcer due to due to alterations of the biomechanics of the feet caused by muscle atrophy. This may lead to an increased skin pressure that may lead to foot ulceration and ultimately amputation. Muscle and balance training may improve strength, postural stability, and walking performance; however, this needs to be studied in more detail.     

The value of the Rydel-Seiffer tuning fork as a predictor of diabetic polyneuropathy compared with a neurothesiometer.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to investigate the predictive value of the Rydel-Seiffer tuning fork for detecting diabetic neuropathy and to compare it with an electronic neurothesiometer. METHODS: In 2022 consecutive diabetic subjects, peripheral polyneuropathy was diagnosed by vibration perception threshold (VPT) at the tip of both great toes using a 128-Hz tuning fork and a neurothesiometer, by simple bedside tests and by the presence of neuropathic symptoms. These evaluations were further combined to diagnose peripheral nerve dysfunction (abnormal bedside tests) and symptomatic neuropathy. VPT was also measured in 175 non-diabetic control subjects to define normal values. RESULTS: VPT was normal in 1917 subjects and abnormal in 105 (5.2%) patients when measured by the tuning fork. Patients with an abnormal vibration test were significantly (P < 0.0001) older than subjects with a normal vibration sense, while diabetes duration and HbA(1c) of the former were also significantly elevated. The same was true for the percentages of an abnormal 10-g monofilament test (66.7% vs. 7.2%, P < 0.0001) and a missing Achilles' tendon reflex (68.6% vs. 24.8%, P < 0.0001). Finally, the VPT measured by the neurothesiometer was 2.5 times higher in patients with an abnormal tuning fork test (32.0 +/- 9.8 vs. 12.5 +/- 6.4 V, P < 0.0001). The plot of the difference of both methods against their mean yielded a good agreement of the two VPT measurements, and the tuning fork had a high sensitivity and positive predictive value for the diagnosis of abnormal bedside tests and for symptomatic neuropathy. CONCLUSION: The tuning fork reliably detected peripheral neuropathy in comparison with the neurothesiometer. A tuning fork is a useful screening test for diabetic neuropathy.     

Cardiovascular autonomic function and vibration perception threshold in type 2 diabetes mellitus

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare cardiovascular autonomic function tests (AFT) and vibration perception threshold (VPT) of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with controls.Research Design/MethodsThe study was conducted on 60 diabetic patients comparing with 30 controls. The cardiovascular AFT and VPT were assessed in both groups.ResultsAmong cardiovascular AFT, E:I ratio [1.24 (1.2–1.32) vs 1.3 (1.24–1.4), p = 0.001], and Valsalva ratio [1.28 (1.22–1.4) vs 1.6 (1.5–1.73), p = 0.001], the indicators of parasympathetic reactivity were reduced in T2DM. Rise in DBP during handgrip, an indicator of sympathetic reactivity was lower in T2DM [12 (10–14) vs 16 (14–18) mmHg, p = 0.001] whereas, fall in SBP during head up tilt [4 (4–8) vs 5 (4–8) mmHg] was comparable. VPT (somatic sensation) was comparable between T2DM and control.ConclusionAutonomic involvement is more marked than somatic, and parasympathetic involvement is more marked than the sympathetic, possibly reflecting severity and chronological pattern of their involvement.     

Vibration perception threshold testing in patients with diabetic neuropathy: ceiling effects and reliability.

AIMS: To test the reliability of a new vibrometer (Maxivibrometer) which was constructed so that vibration perception threshold (VPT) could be determined without the disadvantage of the off-scale measurements frequently experienced with the Biothesiometer. METHODS: The two devices were compared and tested on a group of diabetic neuropathic subjects and a group of healthy, matched control subjects. VPT was tested on the plantar surface of the feet. RESULTS: The Maxivibrometer gave an actual measurement in all cases even if subjects were severely neuropathic. The replication-to-replication and day-to-day intraclass correlation coefficients for the Maxivibrometer VPT were, except in one case, above 0.94, indicating excellent reliability. The Biothesiometer VPT could also be measured with excellent reliability but only within a limited range of mild to moderate neuropathy, so it appears to be an appropriate screening tool. The replication-to-replication intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.93. CONCLUSIONS: Because VPT could be measured over a wide range with the Maxivibrometer, it was demonstrated that loss of sensation in diabetic neuropathy can progress far beyond the maximum VPT value of the Biothesiometer. The wide measurement range and the excellent reliability make the Maxivibrometer a valuable research tool to quantify loss of sensation, particularly in the presence of severe neuropathy and to record changes over time. Diabet. Med. 18, 469-475 (2001)     

Development and evaluation educational videos of diabetic foot care in traditional languages to enhance knowledge of patients diagnosed with diabetes and risk for diabetic foot ulcers

AimThis study aimed to develop an educational video for diabetic foot care in the traditional languages (Buginese and Makassarese) and evaluate the change in the patients’ knowledge level after they viewed the video.MethodsThe study was performed in the following three phases: development of the video content using a Delphi Study that involved wound-care nurses, evaluation of the video’s content validity by the expert panel, and evaluation of the video in the community setting by showing it to patients who spoke the traditional languages, were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM), and were at risk of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU).ResultsFive themes emerged from the Delphi study, including observation of pre-ulcer signs, washing feet, cutting toenails, wearing socks, and checking footwear. Content validity evaluation recommended these items to be constructed for video education using the traditional languages. Evaluation in the community setting confirmed that there was a significant improvement (p = 0.001) in the knowledge about foot care among patients diagnosed with diabetes and at risk of DFU.ConclusionThis study produced an educational video that used the trans-cultural approach by using traditional languages to overcome the communication barrier in the process of knowledge transfer. We found that the educational video in traditional languages enhanced the patients’ knowledge about diabetic foot care and thus could enable them to detect the risks for DFU and prevent DFU.     

Association of limited joint mobility and high plantar pressure in diabetic foot ulceration in Asian Indians

AIM: To investigate the association of limited joint mobility (LJM) and plantar foot pressure in Asian Indian diabetic subjects. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The LJM and plantar pressure were measured in 345 consecutive subjects attending the foot clinic. The study groups were: Control-non-diabetic controls (n=50), DM-diabetic patients without neuropathy (n=100), DM+N-diabetic neuropaths (n=110) and DM+NU-diabetic neuropaths with past history of foot ulceration (n=85). Joint mobility was assessed using a goniometer. Plantar pressure was measured using the RS-Scan platform system. All subjects were able to walk comfortably unaided at their own pace. Data obtained on the metatarsal heads were used for analysis. Neuropathy status was assessed using the biothesiometer. RESULTS: The diabetic patients had higher prevalence of LJM and higher plantar pressure than control subjects (P<0.0001). Among the diabetic patients, those with neuropathy and history of plantar ulceration had higher LJM and plantar pressure compared to non-neuropaths (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both LJM and high plantar pressure appear to be important determinants of foot ulceration in susceptible neuropathic South Indian diabetic patients.     

Pronounced skin capillary ischemia in the feet of diabetic patients with bad metabolic control

Summary Skin capillary circulation is impaired during postocclusive reactive hyperaemia (PRH) in toes of diabetic patients independent of diabetes duration and macrocirculation. The aim of this study was to examine its relation to metabolic control. The skin microcirculation was investigated in 20 patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: 10 patients with bad [HbA_1c > 7.5 (8.7 ± 0.8) %], and 10 patients with good metabolic control [HbA_1c < 7.5 (6.3 ± 1.0) %]. The diabetes duration was similar in both groups (16 ± 9 and 16 ± 6 years, respectively). None had macroangiopathy. Thirteen healthy subjects served as controls. The capillary blood cell velocity (CBV) in the nailfold of the great toe was investigated by videophotometric capillaroscopy, and the total skin microcirculation by laser Doppler fluxmetry (LDF). CBV and LDF were studied during rest and after 1-min arterial occlusion. The vibration perception thresholds (VPT) of the feet were higher (p < 0.05) in the patients with bad (34 ± 12 V), as compared to patients with good metabolic control (18 ± 10 V) and to healthy subjects (13 ± 3 V). Peak CBV during PRH was reduced in both patient groups (p < 0.01), and lowest in the patients with bad metabolic control (p < 0.05). Time to peak CBV was prolonged (p < 0.01) in the patients with bad, while normal in the patients with good metabolic control. LDF was similar in all groups. An inverse correlation was found between HbA_1c and peak CBV during PRH (r = 0.60; p = 0.008), while positive correlations were found to time to peak CBV (r = 0.62; p = 0.004) and VPT (r = 0.60; p = 0.01). No associations were seen between VPT and the microcirculatory variables. The results indicate that the metabolic control is of importance for the nutritive capillary circulation and the peripheral nerve function in the diabetic foot. [Diabetologia (1998) 41: 410–415] Received: 22 October 1997