A device and method is provided for the detection of diabetes in a person using pulse palpation signals. The signal is captured from the radial artery of the person using a photo-plethysmograph (PPG) sensor. The PPG signal is then preprocessed by a processor. The preprocessed PPG signal is then analyzed by the processor to determine a first set of feature parameters. The first set of feature parameters include systolic peak, valley point and dicrotic notch. The first set of feature parameters are compared with a second set of feature parameters, wherein the second set of feature parameters are extracted from the control group of individuals. Based on the comparison it is classified the person is one of a normal, pre-diabetic or in a diabetic condition. According to another embodiment, the invention also provides a method to determine the severity index and progression risk of diabetes disease in the person.
