Severity of Peripheral Neuropathy in Diabetic Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic degenerative disease that can significantly impact both life expectancy and quality of life among affected populations, primarily by disrupting metabolic control and exacerbating disease complications. Objective: To assess the severity of neuropathy across four domains (pain, loss of sensation, postural instability, and depression) in individuals with diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational, and qualitative study The study population comprised diabetic individuals attending outpatient clinics for diabetic foot care at Hospital de S. João - Unidade de Valongo and Centro Hospitalar do Alto Ave in Guimarães. Variables included gender, age, type and duration of diabetes, neuropathic characteristics, balance, dependency/independence, and depression. Results: Regarding neuropathy severity, most diabetic patients exhibited loss of sensation and moderate pain, with no apparent postural instability or depression. However, both instability and depression were observed when neuropathic signs were present. Conclusions: The presence of neuropathic signs was associated with increased postural instability, reduced functionality, and a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms. Furthermore, a positive relationship was observed between pain severity and depressive symptomatology.