The Unit of Endocrinology of the Regional Hospital of Taguatinga and Research Center of the Foundation for Education and Research in Health Sciences, Secretariat of Health of the Federal District, Brasília, Brazil published a study on tools for aiding in the identification of symptoms in patients with diabetes which recommended Neuropad 10-minute screening test as a “simple, effective clinical tool”.
1. A Simple, Effective Clinical Tool
The study assessed 109 individuals with diabetes (mostly type 2, average age ~54). Screening combined a digital Survey of Autonomic Symptoms (SAS) with sudomotor testing using Neuropad, an adhesive patch that visually indicates sweat gland dysfunction by changing colour. This dual approach made complex diagnostics both practical and patient-friendly.
2. High Prevalence of Autonomic Dysfunction
Results revealed that nearly 70% of participants reported symptoms across autonomic domains such as gastrointestinal issues, orthostatic intolerance, vasomotor and urinary changes. Importantly, Neuropad™ flagged sudomotor dysfunction in over 63% of tested patients, demonstrating its sensitivity in detecting early autonomic nerve involvement.
3. Strong Associations with Metabolic Risk
Participants showing positive Neuropad™ results typically had higher HbA1c, body mass index, and abdominal circumference. They were 10 times more likely to have metabolic syndrome and more frequently experienced peripheral neuropathy, spotlighting Neuropad’s clinical relevance in identifying high-risk profiles.
4. Reliable and Reproducible Measurements
Although this study mainly focused on clinical correlations, prior research demonstrates that Neuropad™ testing delivers excellent reproducibility (98% diagnostic agreement, correlation coefficients ≈ 0.9) between repeated measures and different observers in type 2 diabetes patients. This consistency underscores its robustness and suitability for routine use.
5. Making Neuropad™ Clinically Valuable
- Ease of Use: The small adhesive is quick to apply (on the plantar surface), requires no specialized equipment, and provides a visible colour change, making autonomic testing accessible in even the busiest clinic settings.
- Cost-effective Screening: It offers an affordable alternative to specialized sudomotor tests, helping clinics screen larger populations without overburdening resources.
- Risk Flagging: By identifying patients with metabolic comorbidities and those at risk of peripheral neuropathy, Neuropad™ assists clinicians in prioritizing further evaluation and early interventions, especially for foot care and cardiovascular risk.
6. Clear Path Forward for Clinical Practice
The study advocates for widespread use of Neuropad™ alongside symptom surveys—particularly in patients with metabolic syndrome features—as a frontline screening tool. Its demonstrated ease, reproducibility, and sensitivity make it an excellent candidate for integration into standard diabetes care workflows.
In summary, Neuropad™ offers a user-friendly, reliable, and clinically relevant method to detect sudomotor dysfunction—a key piece in the autonomic neuropathy puzzle—making it a standout in practical, early detection strategies.