Objective To explore the application of nerve ultrasound score (DCEC score) in the diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Methods Seventy－three patients with type 2 diabetes were divided into subclinical diabetic peripheral neuropathy group (n=16) and diabetic peripheral neuropathy group (n=58). DCEC score was obtained from all participants. The cut－off value of DCEC score was defined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and its sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were analyzed. Results When the DCEC score was ≥14.5, 50 cases of diabetic peripheral neuropathy were diagnosed. The sensitivity was 81.0% , the specificity was 80.0% , the accuracy was 80.8% , the positive likelihood ratio was 4.05, and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.24. Conclusion DCEC score can effectively diagnose diabetic peripheral neuropathy which can be used as a new method to diagnose diabetic peripheral neuropathy.