DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED DIABETES MELLITUS

Original Article

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a rapidly increasing global health concern and is associated with multiple microvascular complications, among which diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common and disabling. DPN can develop even in the early stages of diabetes and may remain underdiagnosed due to its often asymptomatic nature. Early identification of peripheral neuropathy in newly diagnosed diabetic patients is essential to prevent progression, reduce morbidity, and improve quality of life.

Objective: To determine the frequency of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in newly diagnosed diabetes patients..

Study Design: A Cross Sectional Study.

Duration and Place of Study: From 01 April 2024 to 30 September-2024 at General Medicine Department of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad.

Methodology: A total of 175 patients were included who had recent diagnosis of diabetes. They were clinically assessed for presence of peripheral neuropathy, a diabetic complication. Its frequency was stratified by age, gender, BMI, diabetes diagnosis duration, family history of diabetes and HbA1C%. Post-stratification comparison was performed with Chi-square test.

Results: 175 patients were included. Median age was 42.00 (10.00) years. There were 52 (29.70%) male and 123 (70.30%) female patients. Median diabetes diagnosis duration was 3.00 (2.00) months. Median BMI was 31.20 (4.20) kg/m2. Median HbA1C% was 9.50 (4.00) %. Among patients who were recently diagnosed to have DM, DPN frequency was 44 (25.10%).

Conclusion: Frequency of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in newly diagnosed diabetes patients was 25.10%.