Prevalence of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients and its associated risk factors

Background : Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common and one of the severe complications of diabetes mellitus. It affects almost half the diabetic population and worsens quality of life of the patient. The present study was aimed to determine the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy and associated risk factors. Aims and Objectives : To assess the Prevalence of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) among Type 2 DM patients and its associated risk factors. Material and Methods : A community based survey was conducted over a period of one and a half year. Cluster sampling technique was used to collect the study sample in urban Etawah. Study participants aged >= 30 years residing in urban Etawah with known history of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus of >= 5 years were included in the study. Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) was diagnosed using 10 g monofilament test. Results : A total of 400 DM patients were enrolled in the study. Out of which 28% (n = 112) patients were diagnosed with DPN using Semmes -Weinstein (SW) 10-g monofilament test. Statistically significant association was also noted with Family history of DM, BMI, Systolic and Diastolic blood pressure, Family history of HTN and History of Smoking. Conclusion : The current study found a high prevalence of DPN (28%) and it was found to be significantly associated with advancing age, duration of diabetes and history of smoking.