# Prevalence of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and Its Associated Risk Factors Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Chengalpattu District of Tamil Nadu

## TL;DR

This study found that nearly 28% of type 2 diabetes patients in Chengalpattu had diabetic peripheral neuropathy, with risk factors including hypertension, insulin use, and certain demographic traits.

## Contribution

The study identifies novel associations between DPN and education, marital status, comorbidities, and medication type in a specific regional population.

## Key findings

- DPN prevalence was 28.4% among 310 type 2 diabetes patients.
- Hypertension and insulin use were significant risk factors for DPN.
- Education level and marital status were inversely and positively associated with DPN, respectively.

## Abstract

Background

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common diabetic consequence that damages nerves and results in pain, numbness, and sensory loss. It has no known treatment, impairs mobility, and increases the risk of foot ulcers; therefore, early therapy is necessary. The objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with DPN in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2024 to December 2024 among 310 people who attended the diabetic outpatient department (OPD) of a tertiary care hospital in Chengalpattu district. The Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS), Neuropathy Symptom Score (NSS), and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8) were used, and data were collected and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, V. 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Analytical tests such as the chi-squared test and odds ratio were used to find an association between DPN and its associated variables such as age, sex, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and the duration of illness following which the enter method of logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results

Out of 310 participants, the prevalence of DPN was found to be present in 88 (28.4%). DPN was found to be significantly associated with education (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.33, 95%CI: 0.15-0.74), marital status (AOR: 2.88, 95%CI: 1.52-5.47), comorbidities (AOR: 2.07, 95%CI: 1.05-4.08), and type of medication (AOR: 2.59, 95%CI: 1.29-5.21).

Conclusion

About 88 (28.4%) of people had DPN; those who were hypertensive and used insulin to control their DM were at a greater risk. Routine screening and control of blood sugar and blood pressure are essential for patients with DM.