Prevalence of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy among Diabetes Mellitus Patients in a Selected Tertiary Care Center in South India, using Point-of-Care Technology - An Analytical Cross-Sectional study

Introduction: Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), often underdiagnosed due to limitations of conventional screening tools. Early identification using advanced point-of-care (PoC) technologies is crucial for preventing severe complications. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of DPN among T2DM patients using a multimodal PoC diagnostic device and examine associations with glycemic control and duration of diabetes. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 389 known T2DM patients attending a tertiary care outpatient clinic in South India from February to July 2024. Participants were screened using the Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom (DNS) score and a handheld PoC device assessing touch, vibration, hot, and cold perceptions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results: The mean age of participants was 54.8 10.7 years; 85.3 had uncontrolled glycemic status. Symptom-based DNS scoring identified DPN in 28 of participants. However, 99 were identified at risk using the PoC device, which revealed impairments in both large (vibration, touch) and small (thermal) nerve fibers. Significant associations were found between DPN and both longer diabetes duration (pConclusion: The prevalence of DPN was markedly higher using the PoC device compared to symptom-based methods. This emphasizes the value of integrating multimodal PoC screening into routine diabetic care, especially in rural and resource-limited settings, for early detection and intervention.