ABSTRACT
To estimate the prevalence and risk factors of peripheral neuropathy [PN] in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. 810 patients with type 2 diabetes [289 male and 521 female] from Isfahan Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Centre outpatient clinics, Iran, were examined. Part of the examination included an assessment of neurological function including neuropathic symptoms and physical signs, and nerve conduction velocity. The prevalence of PN was 75.1% [95% confidence interval [CI] 72.1, 78.0]. Peripheral neuropathy was associated with age, proteinuria, and duration of diabetes, insulin-treatment, and presence of retinopathy and ischaemic heart disease [IHD]. The age-adjusted prevalence rate of PN was 78% higher among patients with IHD, 64% higher among patients with any retinopathy, 66% higher among insulin-treated type 2 diabetes, and greater with duration of diabetes. Using a stepwise binary logistic regression model, age, duration of diabetes and proteinuria were significant independent predictors of PN. PN is a common complication in this population of Iranian type 2 diabetic patients. It increases with age, duration of diabetes and proteinuria