title: Diabetic neuropathy and braille ability.
abstract: Thirty-five individuals with visual impairment due to diabetic retinopathy underwent neurologic examination with special emphasis on two-point discrimination and nerve conduction studies to determine whether concomitant peripheral neuropathy would interfere with their ability to read braille. Twenty-two individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (9 men and 13 women) and 13 with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (4 men and 9 women) were evaluated. All had peripheral neuropathy; there were 4 with stage 1, 29 with stage 2, and 2 with stage 3 neuropathy. Two-point discriminatory ability appeared to be relatively well-preserved and at least 25 of the 35 individuals were able to learn to read standard or jumbo braille. Individuals with abnormalities in two-point discrimination (greater than 5 mm) were found to have abnormalities in braille reading. Individuals with visual impairment due to diabetes should not be discouraged from undertaking braille on the basis of apparent polyneuropathy.
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology, University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Mo.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bernbaum
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Albert
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: McGarry
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012682:Sensory Aids; D014110:Touch