Peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus in Isfahan, Iran: prevalence and risk factors

To estimate the prevalence and risk factors of peripheral neuropathy (PN) in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

A total of 810 patients with type 2 diabetes (289 men and 521 women) from Isfahan Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Centre outpatient clinics, Iran, were examined. Part of examination included an assessment of neurological function including neuropathic symptoms and physical signs and nerve conduction velocity.

The prevalence of PN was 75.1% (95% confidence interval 72.1, 78.0). PN was associated with age, proteinuria, and duration of diabetes, insulin-treatment, and presence of any retinopathy and ischaemic heart disease (IHD). The age-adjusted prevalence rate of PN was 78% higher among patients with IHD, 64% higher among patients with any retinopathy, 66% higher among insulin-treated type 2 diabetes, and it was greater with duration of diabetes. Using a stepwise binary logistic regression model, age, duration of diabetes and proteinuria were significant independent predictors of PN.

Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication in this population of Iranian type 2 diabetic patients. It increases with age, duration of diabetes and proteinuria.