Abstract 72: Prevalence and risk factor of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in newly detected type 2 diabetes mellitus at a tertiary care centre

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) leading to major comorbidities. Our objective is to determine the prevalence of DPN in newly diagnosed T2DM patients by various commonly used tools and establish its predictors. Methods: We recruited consecutive newly diagnosed T2DM patients visiting the outpatient department. Detailed demographic parameters, history, physical examination and biochemical investigations were carried out. Patients were screened for DPN using Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom (DNS) score, revised Disability Neuropathy Score (NDS), Vibration Perception threshold (VPT) using a biothesiometer and 10 g SW monofilament test. Results: Total 156 patients of newly diagnosed T2DM with mean age of 44.29 ± 13.29 were included in the study. The prevalence of DPN was found to be 30.8% using the DNS and NDS score. Vibration perception threshold was moderately impaired in 20.5% patients and severely impaired in 9% patients and monofilament testing revealed loss of protective sensation in 23% patients. Patients with DPN were older with mean age of 51.50 ± 12.5 years vs 41.09 ± 12.0 (p < 0.001) years in patients without DPN. Patients with DPN had higher HbA1C levels 9.55 ± 2.5 vs 7.97 ± 1.5 (p 0.044), higher triglyceride levels 268.44 ± 17.6 vs 206.20 ± 23.5 (p 0.001) and higher LDL cholesterol levels117.92 ± 34.4 vs 99.15 ± 31.6 (p 0.033) than patients without DPN. After multiple regression analysis DPN was significantly associated with increasing age (p 0.03), presence of hypertension (p 0.01), increasing LDL cholesterol (p 0.024) and reduced BMI (p 0.04). It did not have significant correlation with fasting plasma glucose, HbA1C levels or triglyceride levels. Conclusions: The prevalence of DPN is high even in newly diagnosed T2DM and associates significantly with age of the patient, hypertension and LDL cholesterol levels. Earlier screening for DPN, especially in older subjects is necessary along with aggressive control of blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels.