Peripheral neuropathy: incidence and clinical presentation in the cases of diabetic mellitus

ABSTRACT

To assess the incidence and clinical presentation of peripheral neuropathy in the cases of diabetic mellitus. Cross sectional study. This study was conducted at Medicine Department of LUMHS with the duration of time February 2011 to January 2012. Total 200 cases were chosen for this study after diagnosis of diabetic mellitus. All equitable laboratory investigations were carried out, along with HbAlC. All the cases were excluded from the study those were less than 5 HbAlc levels, history of any trauma leading to neurological deficit that can compromise assessment of sensory system along with history of renal failure. All the data regarding demographic characteristics,incidence and clinical pattern of the cases with peripheral neuropathy was entered in the predesigned Performa. Mean age of the cases was 56.3 +/- 10.21 years. Mostly cases were noted from urban area 60.0%. 46.0%cases were smoker and mostly smoker were male, while 26 [13.0%] patients [totally male] were with history of alcohol consumption. Mostly patients were poor socioeconomically. Incidence of the neuropathy was noted 60%further according to the classification, 16% cases were found with mild neuropathy, 21%were with severe while majority of the cases 32% were found with moderate neuropathy. According to the clinical presentation mostly cases were found with burning, 85.0%, Pain 66.6%, numbness 75.0%, while Sensitive touch, Itching, Foot ulcer,Muscle cramp and Tingling were found as 60 [50.0%], 36[30.0%], 18[15.0%], 45[37.5%] and 51[42.5%] respectively. In this study it is concluded that incidence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy is very high, and it increases with the increasing time of diabetes, uncontrolled diabetes and ignorance diabetes. Majority of the cases had found with sensory loss having foot ulcers, and they were unaware regarding this condition