Prevalence of symptomatic polyneuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending the diabetes clinic at Helen Joseph Tertiary Hospital, South Africa

A higher than expected prevalence of symptomatic DSPN was observed in this study population, indicating the need for enhanced screening. Furthermore, a significant proportion of symptomatic patients were not receiving treatment. Poor glycaemic control with HbA1c values 7% significantly increases the risk of DSPN.Contribution: The DNS score can easily be implemented at a primary care level to detect symptomatic neuropathy and facilitate prompt treatment.