Prevalence and risk factors of peripheral neuropathy among young type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending a tertiary care hospital in upper Assam: A cross-sectional study

Background:Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), being the most common and early complication of diabetes mellitus, results in significant morbidity and debilitating sequelae in the form of foot ulcers, infection, and amputation. Due to the disease's longevity, young type 2 diabetes constitutes a high risk for developing neuropathy, and screening of patients for DPN becomes crucial.Objectives:This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and identify the associated risk factors of peripheral neuropathy among young type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending a tertiary care hospital in upper Assam.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted from July 1, 2022 to September 30, 2022 in the Department of Medicine. A total of 165 participants attending the outpatient Department and the Diabetic clinic, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes below the age of 45 years were recruited using non-random consecutive sampling. Patients were then interviewed using a pre-designed, pre-tested schedule. DPN was assessed by detection of vibration perception threshold (VPT) using a biothesiometer, the cutoff value for which was taken as 15 V.Results:The prevalence of DPN as assessed by VPT using biothesiometer was 13.9%. The prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe neuropathies was 9.1%, 3.6%, and 1.2%, respectively. DPN was found to have a significant association with the duration of diabetes and hypertension. Socio-demographic characteristics, smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, anti-diabetic medication, and dyslipidemia were not found to have a significant association with DPN.Conclusion:This study has stressed the importance of screening for hypertension even in the younger age groups as well as the need for early detection of DPN, which can aid in taking necessary actions to impede the disease's progression.