Risk factors and prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A study of type 2 diabetic outpatients in Bangladesh

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of the study is to estimate the prevalence and risk factors for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in type 2 diabetic outpatients at the BIRDEM hospital, Bangladesh. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Type 2 diabetic outpatients, diagnosed 5-11 years prior to the investigation were randomly selected for the study. DPN was assessed using the Neuropathy Symptom Score (NSS) and Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS). Data about demographics, blood pressure, height, weight, waist and hip circumference, and random blood and urine samples were collected. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety four (139 men, 155 women) type 2 diabetic outpatients were studied. The overall DPN prevalence was 19.7 %; male (20.9%), female (18.7 %). The prevalence increased with age (from 11.1% in the 23-40 year-old group to 32.3% in the 60-80 year-old group) and duration of diabetes (from 14.1% in patients with five years to 29.2% in patients with 9-11 years duration). Age > 60 years (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.4-12.3), low/normal WHR (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.6-9.3), income < 800 TK (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.1-9.3) and insulin treatment (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.0-4.0) were independent, significant risk factors. Longer duration of diabetes (OR1.2 95% CI 1.0-1.4), and higher HbA1c (OR1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.3) were marginally independent, significant risk factors for DPN. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATIONS: We observed a DPN prevalence of 19.7%. Higher age, low socioeconomic status, treatment with insulin, longer duration of diabetes and poor glycemic control were risk factors for DPN.