Screening of peripheral neuropathy among diabetic patients in urban health centre chidambaram

Abstract

Background: The foot ulcers among diabetic patients are mostly neuropathic origin and therefore eminently preventable. Sensory neuropathy increases the risk of foot ulcerations by seven folds and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) by three folds in people with diabetes. The Prevalence of peripheral neuropathy among diabetes is 26-33%.

 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

1) To find out magnitude of peripheral neuropathy among Type II diabetes mellitus patients.

2) To correlate frequency with selected socio demographic variables.                                    

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive cross sectional study was done among 114 known Type II diabetic mellitus patients attending UHC under RMMC. Basic sociodemographic data were collected using a Pre-tested Questionnaire followed by a symptomatic history and Clinical Examination to rule out the peripheral neuropathy using monofilament 10G and tuning fork 128Hz.The peripheral neuropathy was tested objectively for various types of sensations like touch, pain, pressure ,vibration ,tactile localization and two point discrimination. Analysis was done using appropriate statistical methods.

RESULTS:  Magnitude of Peripheral Neuropathy among 114 known Type 2 DM attending UHC is 28.9%. 74.5% were females, 67% were above the age of 50 years. 30% of patients complained of foot numbness and diminished sensation(22%).28% of patients had loss of touch sensation and loss of vibrations(24%).Erectile dysfunction(5).

CONCLUSION:  Community based study regarding prevalence of peripheral neuropathy could improve the reliability.  

Key words: Diabetes, Peripheral Neuropathy, screening, sensory loss.