Age-related changes in the tactile pressure sensitivity threshold in the sole of the foot in diabetic patients

[Purpose] Patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM) are known to experience sensory disturbances in their feet secondary to diabetic neuropathy (DN). The sole of the foot tactile pressure sensitivity threshold in patients with DM was evaluated in addition to examining age-related effects based on the sites studied. Whether the tactile pressure sensitivity threshold in the sole of the foot in elderly patients with DM was associated with the duration of DM or aging was evaluated. [Participants and Methods] Our study included 204 patients with DM (136males and 68 females). Patients were divided into the following age groups: 20–39 (20 patients), 40–49 (26 patients), 50–59 (34 patients), 60–69 (60 patients), 70–79 (45 patients), and 80–89 years (19 patients). Using Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing, the tactile pressure sensitivity threshold at the sole of the foot was evaluated in the bilateral halluces, first metatarsal head, fifth toe metatarsal head, and the heels, and age-related effects were examined. [Results] At all the sites that were examined, we observed an age-related increase in the tactile pressure sensitivity threshold value, and this finding demonstrated a positive partial correlation with the duration of DM. [Conclusion] Aging influences DN-induced degeneration of peripheral nerves.