Studies show that among patients of diabetes, vibration senses in the feet deteriorate slightly in the 5 years following diagnosis. Diabetes vibration tests are often given to test for diabetes neuropathy, or nerve damage which often begins in the feet and legs. In the test, a 128 Hz tuning fork is used. It is applied to the tip of the hallux and bony prominences.

Before the diabetes vibration test begins, it is important to give a non-vibrating stimulus.This is to verify that the person is giving a positive response to the vibration sense and not just the touch sensation. A tool called the vibratory perception (VPT) meter, or biothesiometer, can also be used to quantify the sensory loss.

In this test a probe is applied to the foot, usually at the big toe. With the diabetes vibration VPT machine, you can increase the intensity by turning the dial. The point …