Prevalence and correlates of peripheral neuropathy amongst type 2 diabetes mellitus patients – A community-based epidemiological study in a town of Eastern India

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) which may be attributed to chronic uncontrolled hyperglycaemia. DPN increases the risk of foot ulcers and non traumatic amputations, leading to disability, morbidity and poor quality of life for the diabetics. Aims: This study aims to find out the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy amongst T2DM patients and ascertain the correlates for the same. Settings and Design: A cross sectional study was conducted amongst 104 diabetic individuals of Bankura city of West Bengal using principles of simple random sampling technique. Materials and Methods: Data on peripheral neuropathy were collected using Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument and correlates were assessed by a pre designed pre tested schedule consisting of background and socio demographic characteristics along with medication adherence rating scale. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were entered into Excel (Microsoft Inc.) and all calculations were done using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (Version 20.0, IBM). Data were analysed and presented using principles of descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: The prevalence of DPN was 59.1%. The presence of co morbidities, poor socio economic status, polypharmacy, food insecurity, catastrophic health expenditure and lack of social insurance were found significantly associated with DPN. Conclusions: DPN prevalence was found to be considerably high. Multiple factors were found to culminate it, upon which socio economic and health care affordability issues were prominent. A multi disciplinary approach focusing on them using Patients oriented evidence that matters approach, diabetes education and periodic screening of the diabetic population may help in mitigating the morbidity risks.