Factors associated with peripheral neuropathy among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major health problem globally. It is estimated that approximately 50% of people with diabetes suffer from diabetes peripheral neuropathy (DPN). All patients with diabetes should be screened for peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, this study was undertaken to explore and determine the factors associated with peripheral neuropathy. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with type 2 DM and with peripheral neuropathy at a patient visiting diabetes clinic of a tertiary care center. Neuropathy analysis was done by a peripheral neuropathy analyzer (Vibrotherm: EN ISO 13485:2012). The test consisted of four different steps: The first step was vibration perception for a six-point assessment of each foot; then, cold perception; hot perception; and finally, a 10g Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Result: Out of 50 patients, the maximum were male (70%); mean age was 55.80 ± 11.48 years; 50% were living in urban areas, 40% in rural areas, and 10% in semi-urban areas; 34% were farmers, 26% were doing jobs, 24% were housewives, and 16% were businessmen. The mean duration of type 2 DM was 8.34 ± 7.89 years, and HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) was 9.47 ± 3.17. Overall, 44 patients had neuropathy; among them, 29 had only large fiber neuropathy, 42 had small fiber neuropathy, and 27 had both small and large fiber neuropathy. Large fiber neuropathy was found to be significantly associated with HbA1c level and the duration of DM, and mixed fiber neuropathy was found to be significantly associated with the age of the participants (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Peripheral neuropathy is very common in patients with type 2 DM; it is associated with age, level of HbA1c, and the duration of DM, so early action should be taken to mitigate its occurrence.