Prevalence of neuropathy in type 2 diabetic patients attending a diabetes centre in South India
Ashok, S.; Ramu, M.; Deepa, R.; Mohan, V.
Journal of the Association of Physicians of India 50: 546-550
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-5772 PMID: 12164406 Document Number: 550005
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for neuropathy among South Indian type 2 diabetic patients attending a diabetes centre. One thousand consecutive type 2 diabetic patients attending a diabetes centre in South India were recruited for the study. Biothesiometry studies were performed by a single observer using a biothesiometer. Neuropathy was diagnosed if the vibratory threshold of the great toe exceeded twenty five. Overall, 19.1% of the patients had evidence of neuropathy. The prevalence of neuropathy increased with increase in age (p < 0.001) and duration of diabetes (p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed age (OR--3.2, 95% confidence interval--2.7-4.1, p < 0.001) and duration of diabetes (OR--1.4, 95% confidence interval--1.2-64, p = 0.001) as the risk factors for neuropathy. The overall prevalence of neuropathy in this South Indian type 2 diabetic subjects is 19.1% and age and duration of diabetes are the risk factors for neuropathy.