Thermography and Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments in the Sensitivity Evaluation of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Patients

Diabetic foot is one of the most common complication of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) that arises along the evolution of this disease. Diabetic neuropathy tends to be a progressive pathology, affecting more aggressively patients with poor glycemic control. Generally, the clinical examination includes detailed feet evaluation to determine areas of diminished sensitivity, using Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments. Infrared thermography is a modern high-resolution technique that may measure thermal alterations referring to vasomotor changes, which may indicate neuropathies. So, the aim of this research was to correlate thermal changes in the feet with tactile sensitivity alterations in type 2 diabetic patients at risk for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. It is a cross-sectional qualiquantitative study, achieved with 10 participants. The two assessment techniques used favor early diagnosis for people with type 2 DM and a better clinical course of the disease, reducing the high costs for public health and improving the quality of life of people with DM.