Diagnosis

A doctor can usually diagnose diabetic neuropathy by performing a physical exam and carefully reviewing your symptoms and medical history.

Your doctor will check your:

• Overall muscle strength and tone
• Tendon reflexes
• Sensitivity to touch and vibration

Along with the physical exam, your doctor may perform or order specific tests to help diagnose diabetic neuropathy, such as:

• Filament test. Your doctor will brush a soft nylon fiber (monofilament) over areas of your skin to test your sensitivity to touch.
• Sensory testing. This noninvasive test is used to tell how your nerves respond to vibration and changes in temperature.
• Nerve conduction testing. This test measures how quickly the nerves in your arms and legs conduct electrical signals. It's often used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Muscle response testing. Called electromyography, this test is often done with nerve conduction studies. It measures electrical discharges produced in your muscles.
• Autonomic testing. Special tests may be done to determine how your blood pressure changes while you are in different positions, and whether you sweat normally.