Background: Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder affecting many organ systems. It is a progressive disease involving peripheral nervous system and central nervous system. Pain sensation is a protective mechanism, carried out by lateral spinothalamic tract. Vibration sensation in different peripheral parts of the body is an important tool for testing the functional integrity of dorsal column tract.

Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the degree of damage of ascending tracts in diabetic patients and compare with normal subjects.

Materials and Methods: In the present study, we recorded pain and vibration thresholds in diabetic patients and compared with normal age matched subjects. Group1 consisted of diabetic patients of age group between 40-50 years with blood sugar level under control. Duration of diabetes was between 5-10 years. Group2 consisted of normal age matched subjects. The results were analyzed by Student’s unpaired t-test and ANOVA. P< 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results: Pain and vibration thresholds were increased in diabetic patients when compared with normal subjects. From our study, we conclude that small fiber functions were affected in early stages of diabetes, whereas larger fiber functions were affected in late stages.