ABSTRACT
Background : India shares a considerable share of the Global Disease Burden of Diabetes Mellitus which is a major public health concern. Among the many Vascular Complications of Diabetes, Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is one and a major cause of Foot Related Disorders in Diabetics. The Ankle-Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) is an efficient tool for objectively documenting the presence of lower extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD).The present study was conducted to find the prevalence of PAD in Diabetic Patients in a teaching hospital using ABPI.Materials and Methods : A total number of 100 cases of Type 2 Diabetic patients who were more than 40 years of age were included in the study after fulfilment of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Ankle Brachial Pressure Index was measured in all and used to assess PAD. ABPI value of <0.9 was taken as indicative of PAD. Results : The prevalence of PAD using a ABPI Value of <0.9 was 31%. A significant association of PAD was found with duration of disease, hypertension, smoking and glycemic control.Conclusion : Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is more commonly associated with Diabetes Mellitus than is generally thought. ABPI (Ankle Brachial Pressure Index) is a simple, noninvasive and cost-effective method for early detection of PAD.