[Prevalence of peripheral neuropathy among primary care type 2 diabetic patients].
BACKGROUND
Neuropathy is a common complication of diabetic patients.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in Type 2 diabetic patients attended at a family medicine unit.


METHODS
Cross-sectional assessment of 348 type 2 diabetic patients aged 34-89 years (60% females) with a disease duration of 5 to 15 years. Peripheral neurological status was evaluated using The Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument, a tool that includes a self-assessment of symptoms and a physical examination.


RESULTS
Diabetic neuropathy was found in 240 patients (69%). The prevalence in males and females was 72 and 67% respectively. The prevalence in patients with a disease duration of 5, 10 and 15 years, was 59, 69 and 77%, respectively. Fifty percent of patients with neuropathy complained of dry skin, 2% had ulcers, 43% had an abnormal perception of vibration and 29% had an abnormal monofilament test.


CONCLUSIONS
The overall prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in this group of patients was 69% and was directly associated with the duration of the disease.
Unidades de Medicina Familiar, León, Guanajuato, México. carlos.ibarra@imss.gob.mx
Carlos Tomás R
CT
Ibarra
José de Jesús L
Jde J
Rocha
Raúl O
RO
Hernández
Rene Efrén R
RE
Nieves
Rafael J
RJ
Leyva
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications*; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity