Prevalence and related factors of peripheral arterial disease in diabetes mellitus inpatients: a cross-sectional study in China

Peripheral arterialdisease (PAD) can result in diabetic foot ulcers, gangrene, and even amputation. Since most cases of PAD in diabetic patients are associated with peripheral neuropathy, the symptoms of vascular disease are easily concealed by the symptoms of neuropathy and are ignored by people, so it is critical for health care providers to screen PAD for the diabetes patients. This study was carried out to identify theprevalence and related factors of PAD in diabetes mellitus inpatients. This was a cross-sectional observational study. A total of 855 patients were enrolled in the study from December 2018 to December 2019. The patients were divided into a non-PAD group (ABI = 0.9-1.3) and a PAD group (ABI <0.9). Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that age, LDL-C, dorsalis pedis artery pulsation (left foot), and sensory-current threshold (right foot) were related factors for peripheral arterial disease. Patients who are older and have a higher LDL-C level, abnormal dorsal foot pulse, and abnormal sensory-current threshold must be vigilant, and receive early screening for PAD diagnosis and treatment to avoid a malignant outcome. In clinical work, medical staff should actively apply PAD screening to diabetic patients, identify risk factors as early as possible, conduct early interventions, reduce the risk of PAD in patients, and avoid the occurrence of adverse outcomes.