What to expect from diabetes screening for peripheral neuropathy

The clinician may ask about tingling, burning, numbness, unusual sensitivity, balance changes, or sores that you have not felt. They may inspect the skin, toenails, shape of the feet, and areas of pressure. A small fibre or monofilament test can check protective sensation, while vibration, reflexes, pulses, and temperature may also be assessed. Blood glucose testing helps find diabetes or prediabetes, but it does not by itself prove that nerve symptoms come from diabetes. Other causes may need consideration.

Bring a list of medicines and describe when symptoms started, where they occur, and whether they affect sleep or walking. Wear footwear that can be removed easily. Ask whether you need to avoid food before blood tests. Check your feet regularly, keep the skin clean and moisturised away from the toes, and avoid walking barefoot if sensation is reduced. Follow-up may include repeat glucose testing, foot-care advice, or assessment for another cause.

Contact a clinician promptly for a new foot wound, redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, blackened skin, or fever. Seek urgent help for sudden weakness, rapidly worsening numbness, severe pain, or new trouble walking. Chest pain, severe breathlessness, confusion, or fainting also need emergency assessment rather than waiting for routine screening.

Ask which tests you need, whether your symptoms suggest reduced protective sensation, how to examine your feet safely, and when your results should be reviewed.