ABSTRACT:
The diabetes situation in Malaysia is about 3.5 million or 17.5 per cent of its citizens aged 18 years and above are Diabetic. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is common and frequent cause of morbidity and disability. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important to prevent disease complications, especially diabetic foot and ulceration. The aim of this research was to find out the prevalence of DPN, to determine which of the 4 screening methods (Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), Ankle Reflexes, 128-Hz Tuning Fork Test and 10-g Monofilament) was more reliable in screening for DPN and any correlation between them. A cross-sectional study with a random sample size of (N=81), type 2 diabetes mellitus participants in Diabetes Malaysia headquarters were screened for presence of DPN by using 4 different methods. Reliability and correlation between the 4 screening methods were calculated. The prevalence of DPN was 46.91% using MNSI. Prevalence of DPN using 10-g Monofilament test was highest (45.68%) and ankle reflexes were lowest (17.28%). Statistical significant associations were found between 10-g monofilament, MNSI Score, right and left ankle reflex, 128-Hz Tuning Fork Test on the right and left great toe. There was positive correlation between 4 screening methods and were reliable to be used to screen for DPN in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. However MNSI and 10-g Monofilament test were more appropriate and reliable in screening for DPN.