Part 6: Detection and Prevention of Foot Problems in Type 2 Diabetes

Summary - Detection of Loss of Protective Foot Sensation• A loss of sensation to the 5.07 Semmes-Weinstein monofilament which exerts a10g pressure at buckling point indicates loss of protective foot sensation• Failure to feel the 10g Semmes-Weinstein monofilament at one uncallused plantarsite is predictive of future foot ulceration• The 10g Semmes-Weinstein monofilament is equivalent to or better than othersimple tests of neuropathy for the primary care setting• The Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test is simple and its reliability is clinicallyacceptable• Data on the optimal number and location of sites for testing with 10g Semmes-Weinstein monofilament are limited and further research is required• The limited available data suggest that testing at two sites, over the first and fifthmetatarsal heads, is sufficient to identify loss of protective sensation45