Prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetic adults in central Kerala: A cross-sectional study

Background & objectives Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most prevalent chronic complications of diabetes mellitus. It is usually insidious in onset, sometimes asymptomatic, predisposing to foot ulcers, muscle and joint diseases. This results in severe disability and impaired quality of life. Hence, this study undertook to estimate the prevalence of DPN among diabetic individuals aged 30 yr and above in Ettumanoor municipality and to explore association with selected factors. Methods A semi-structured interview and examination was conducted among 526 diabetic individuals aged 30 yr and above through cluster sampling. DPN was assessed using the Michigan Neuropathic Screening Instrument (MNSI). Data was coded and entered in MS Excel and analysed using IBM SPSS software version 20. Results Mean age of study participants was 62.72 +/-9.01 yr with a median duration of diabetes of seven years, with an IQR of 10 yr. Prevalence of DPN as per the MNSI Examination tool was found to be 34.2 per cent [95% confidence interval (C.I.): 30.2-38.4]. In binary logistic regression, factors found to be independent predictors of DPN were age above 60 yr, education below high school education, unemployed status, height >160 cm, insulin use, and presence of nephropathy. Interpretation & conclusions Prevalence of DPN among the study population was found to be 34.2 per cent. It was found to be associated with various sociodemographic factors, treatment-related factors, other co-morbidities, and microvascular complications. Overall, it is suggested based on the findings that community-based initiatives are necessary for the timely screening, diagnosis, and treatment of DPN.