THE INVESTIGATION OF THE FREQUENCY OF RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME AND RELATED FACTORS IN DIABETIC PATIENTS

Objective: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by sensory and motor symptoms especially in legs that often occur during rest. Although etiology is not known precisely, it can also occur secondary to diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of RLS in diabetic patients and to investigate related factors. Material and Method: 161 diabetic patients who were admitted to Internal Medicine and Endocrinology outpatient clinics were included in the cross-sectional study. The diagnosis of RLS was based on the diagnostic criteria of the International Restless Leg Syndrome Study Group. The patients' demographic data, anthropometric measurements and laboratory test results were recorded. The RLS rating scale prepared by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group was used to assess the severity of RLS. Results: The incidence of RLS in the diabetic patients constituting the study population was found to be 23.6%. Only 3% of patients with RLS were getting treatment for RLS. The smoking rate in the RLS group was higher than the group without RLS (p=0.003). Smoking was found as an independent determinant of HBS (odds ratio: 0.265, 95% confidence interval: 0.106-0.666, p = 0.005). Conclusion: RLS is a disease frequently seen in diabetic patients, and the rate of patients treated is very low. Smoking in diabetic patients increases the likelihood of RLS.