Background and objective: Diabetes is an increasing epidemic in India, and associated diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is its most common and disabling complication. As DPN has an insidious onset and heterogeneous clinical manifestations it is difficult to detect high-risk patients of DPN. Early diagnosis is recommended and is the key factor for a better prognosis and preventing diabetic foot ulcers, amputation, or disability. We conducted this study to study the scope of Semmes Weinstein Monofilament (SWMF) as a screening tool to identify these patients during the early course of the disease to provide a targeted therapy to modify the course of DPN. Methods and Materials: This was a case control study, comprised of 80 subjects.40 type 2 diabetic patients with clinical features of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and abnormal nerve conduction studies (NCS) were selected as cases and 40 age, sex and height matched healthy adults were included as controls. All were subjected to NCS and SWMF tests. Diagnostic values were calculated for SWMF test taking NCS as gold standard for diagnosis of DPN. Results: The SWMF had sensitivity and specificity of 85% and 75% respectively with a accuracy of 84% for diagnosis of DPN. Conclusions: SWMF is a good screening tool for detecting the presence of DPN in diabetes mellitus patients because of its high diagnostic value besides being noninvasive, low cost, rapid and easy to apply test. There is a significant correlation between the NCS and SWMF in the diagnosis of DPN.
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