Which nerve is typically evaluated for sensory conduction in diabetic patients?

The sural nerve is commonly evaluated for sensory conduction in diabetic patients because it is a sensory nerve that predominantly carries sensations from the lower extremities. Diabetic neuropathy often manifests first in the small sensory fibers that innervate the feet and lower legs, making the sural nerve an ideal target for assessment. Sensory conduction studies of the sural nerve can provide valuable information about the extent of neuropathy and help guide treatment decisions.

In contrast, while the ulnar and median nerves are also important for assessing other types of neuropathies, they are primarily motor and sensory nerves of the upper extremities, which are less affected by the sensory loss typically seen in diabetic patients. The radial nerve, meanwhile, is mainly a motor nerve for the arm. Therefore, the sural nerve's location and function make it especially relevant in the context of diabetes-related sensory issues.