Improving vibration perception in a patient with type 2 diabetes and sensory peripheral neuropathy.

This was one person with no comparison group, so the change cannot be treated as evidence that the insole works. The authors state single-case findings cannot be generalised to the diabetic population. The insole was added to his usual chronic medications and ongoing health conditions, so the contribution of the insole alone cannot be separated. The participant had peripheral vascular disease, atherosclerosis, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, and continued smoking, which may affect foot sensation and circulation. The authors say the physiological mechanism of the threshold reduction and the retained effect are not explained. The retention of effect is described as new information not previously investigated or documented.

Do not conclude that vibrating insoles improve vibration perception or prevent foot ulcers in type 2 diabetes. This report describes one man with vascular disease and chronic medication, and the authors state that single-case findings cannot be generalised.