Sensory and motor defects are known to contribute to foot ulceration in diabetes. It is suspected that the contralateral limb in diabetes patients after unilateral amputation is at risk of peripheral neuropathy, but there is little knowledge on the extent of the problem This study determined the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in the contralateral limb and examined the demographic characteristics of the study population. There were 32 diabetic unilateral amputees studied, 72% of whom were male. Mean (±SD) age was 60±14 years (range 40–90 years). Using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), the mean (±SD) overall peripheral neuropathy score was 1.0±0.3 indicating mild peripheral neuropathy in the majority of patients. There were 94% with Grade 1 and 6% with Grade 2 changes. We conclude that peripheral neuropathy does exist in the contralateral limb of diabetic unilateral amputees. Most patients lose protective sensation, thereby putting them at risk of foot ulcers, and possible future amputation.

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