Evaluation of sensory loss in the feet and associated factors in ambulatory patients with diabetes: a cross-sectional study.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of protective sensory loss in patients with diabetes mellitus at a university hospital and to identify clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with this condition.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with diabetic patients attending specialized outpatient clinics. Data were collected through patient interviews and medical record reviews, in conjunction with using the monofilament test to assess protective sensory loss in the feet. Statistical analyses included descriptive and exploratory tests, as well as bivariate and multivariate analyses to identify factors associated with sensory loss (p < 0.05).

Results: A total of 184 patients were interviewed, but only 169 were included in the primary outcome analyses. The median age was 61 years, with the majority being female (72%), self-identifying as mixed-race (54%), and diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (87%). The prevalence of protective sensory loss was 20%. Factors such as a longer duration of diabetes mellitus (95%CI 1.01-1.09; p = 0.022), the presence of target organ damage (95%CI 1.25-6.84; p = 0.015), and increased body weight (OR = 1.04; 95%CI 1.01-1.07; p = 0.007) were significantly associated with sensory loss. Although systemic arterial hypertension was initially associated in the bivariate analysis, it did not remain an independent predictor.

Conclusion: The significant prevalence of protective sensory loss and the lack of awareness about the monofilament test among many patients emphasize the need to expand neuropathy screening and health education in diabetes management.