Prevalence and characteristics of diabetic symmetric sensorimotor polyneuropathy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: the Japan Diabetes Complication and its Prevention Prospective study (JDCP study 10).

Aim/introduction: This study aims to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of diabetic symmetric sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) in patients with type 2 diabetes registered in the Japan Diabetes Complication and its Prevention Prospective (JDCP) study.

Materials and methods: In the study, 6338 patients with diabetes who had been treated by diabetes specialists were registered in 2007-2009. Of these, patients with type 2 diabetes who could be evaluated for DSPN were analyzed using t test, chi-square test, and logistic regression analyses. DSPN was diagnosed using the Simple Diagnostic Criteria for Diabetic Polyneuropathy proposed by the Diabetic Neuropathy Study Group in Japan.

Results: Of the total participants, 5451 patients (mean age 61.4 years old and duration of diabetes 10.8 years) were analyzed. Based on the criteria, 35.8% of patients were diagnosed with DSPN. The prevalence of sensory symptoms was 25.8%. The following factors increased risk for DSPN: age [odds ratio (OR) 1.57, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.42-1.73], duration of diabetes (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.21-1.43), body mass index (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.09-1.30), systolic blood pressure (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.10), hemoglobin A1c (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.09-1.22), biguanides (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.06-1.39), and insulin therapy (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.36-1.84). The following factors decreased risk for DSPN: total cholesterol (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-1.00) and exercise therapy (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73-0.98).

Conclusions: The baseline survey clarified the prevalence and characteristics of DSPN in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes. The survey also revealed the risk factors of DSPN.