Diabetic neuropathy is a significant complication of chronic diabetes. We wished to discover whether we were successfully
identifying patients who had developed neuropathic problems. Specifically, Diabetologists are traditionally poor at asking
about erectile dysfunction (ED) and patients themselves are not always forthcoming as it an embarrassing medical problem.
We targeted all patients attending diabetes review clinics over a 4-month period in two hospitals and asked them to complete
an anonymous, self-reported questionnaire after their consultation with the diabetologist or diabetes specialist nurse. Whilst
most aspects of diabetic neuropathy are routinely screened for in the diabetes clinic we found that the neuropathic symptoms
of both ED and gastroparesis were not commonly enquired about, and that erectile failure was found to be more prevalent than
previously. Diabetologists need to be more thorough in their assessment of diabetic neuropathy. This is especially of import
with regards to ED because we often shy away from enquiring into such a personal area and male patients rarely highlight the
issue due to embarrassment. Our post consultation questionnaire has now been modified to form a useful preconsultation neuropathy
screening tool and this is undergoing validation.
Keywords Diabetic neuropathy - Screening - Health professionals - Erectile dysfunction - Diabetes mellitus