Objective To evaluate the clinical value of nerve conduction velocity (NCV) testing in the early screening of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and to analyze its associated influencing factors. Methods A total of 117 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from January 2020 to January 2025 were selected as the research subjects. NCV parameters of the median, ulnar, peroneal, and tibial nerves were assessed using electrophysiological examination. Differences in NCV abnormalities were compared among subgroups stratified by age, sex, and duration of diabetes. Correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between NCV parameters and metabolic indicators. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify independent risk factors for DPN. Results A relatively high rate of NCV abnormalities was observed, with multiple nerve involvement being common. Stratified analysis showed that increasing age and longer duration of diabetes were both significantly associated with NCV abnormalities (both P＜0.05). Correlation analysis demonstrated significant associations between NCV parameters and glycemic indicators, including glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood glucose levels. Logistic regression analysis identified diabetes duration and HbA1c as independent risk factors for DPN (both P＜0.05). Conclusion NCV testing can objectively reflect the peripheral nerve function status of diabetic patients and has significant clinical significance for the early identification and risk assessment of DPN.