Predictors of Peripheral Neuropathy Among Persons with Diabetes Mellitus: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) that causes substantial morbidities, including pain, foot ulcers, lower-limb amputations, and depression. It is said to affect approximately 50% of adults with DM. Understanding the predictors of DPN will help refocus on early preventive strategies to reduce its numerous morbidities. METHODS: A total of 1,040 persons with DM were consecutively enrolled. Relevant medical history, clinical examinations, and laboratory investigations were performed. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine predictors of DPN. Significance was set at P ≤ .05. RESULTS: Significant predictors of DPN included age (odds ratio [OR], 1.99; P = .003); female sex (OR, 1.94; P = .023); DM duration (OR, 2.01; P = .032); history of systemic hypertension (OR, 1.68; P = .037); height (OR, 2.02; P = .001); generalized obesity (OR, 2.02; P = .002); central obesity (OR, 1.12; P = .047); poor control of systolic blood pressure (OR, 1.78; P = .001), diastolic blood pressure (OR, 1.45; P = .006), fasting plasma glucose (OR, 2.43; P = .004), 2-hour postprandial glucose (2HrPP) (OR, 2.83; P = .001), and glycated hemoglobin (OR, 2.31; P = .004); and peripheral artery disease (OR, 1.89; P = .002). The negative predictors of DPN include antidiabetics (OR, 2.39; P = .008), antihypertensives (OR, 2.45; P = .009), statins (OR, 2.21; P = .004), and antiplatelets (OR, 2.46; P = .030). CONCLUSIONS: Significant predictors of DPN include age, DM duration, female sex, height, history of systemic hypertension, and obesity. Others include poor control of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, 2HrPP, and glycated hemoglobin levels. Negative predictors include antidiabetics, antihypertensives, statins, and antiplatelets.