Prevalence of Diabetic Neuropathy and Its Rrisk Factors in Diabetic Patients Referred to the Golestan Hospital Diabetes Clinic during 1393-95

Abstract

Background and Objectives Diabetes mellitus is a widespread metabolic disease, with increasing rates and numerous complications worldwide. Nervous system disorders are common complications of diabetes, with around half of diabetics eventually developing neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy leads to consequences, such as recurrent infections of the lower limbs, diabetic foot ulcers and subsequent amputations. Considering the numerous problems caused by diabetic neuropathy and to contribute to the improvement of prevention and control strategies, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of diabetic neuropathy in diabetic patients and its risk factors. Subjects and Methods This cross-sectional study was part of a retrospective study (ADFC) conducted on 605 patients with type 2 diabetes referred to Ahvaz Golestan Hospital from 2014 to 2016. The incidence of diabetic neuropathy was assessed in these patients, and the risk factors for developing neuropathy were examined using a checklist and physical examination. The data were then analyzed using SPSS software version23. Results Of 605 patients examined in this study, 213 (35.2%) had diabetic neuropathy. Of these 213 participants, (51%) were women and (49%) men. In the univariable analysis, older age, male gender, longer duration of diabetes, lower education level and smoking were significantly associated with neuropathy, but in the univariable analysis only smoking and duration of diabetes remained in the model with significant relationship (p= 0.005 and <0.0001, respectively). Conclusion Diabetic neuropathy is a common and widespread complication of diabetes. Through early diagnosis and control of risk factors, efforts should be made to reduce this complication in order to minimize its numerous personal, social and financial consequences. In this study, the prevalence of neuropathy was high. In addition, diabetes duration and smoking were defined as major risk factors. It is therefore recommended that neuropathy screening and patient education (on blood glucose control, foot self-care, smoking cessation) be given greater consideration in our region.