Diabetic peripheral neuropathy among Saudi diabetic patients: A multicenter cross-sectional study at primary health care setting

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes and is responsible for morbidity and disability among diabetic patients.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of painful DPN and its associated risk factors in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 430 diabetic patients attending primary healthcare centres (PHC) in AL Madinah city, Saudi Arabia. The validated Douleur Neuropathique-4 (DN4) questionnaire was used to identify the presence of painful DPN.

Results: The majority were female (54.7%) and had type 2 diabetes mellitus (74.9%). The prevalence of DPN was 30.1% in type 2 diabetic patients and 25.9% in type 1 diabetic patients with an overall prevalence of 29.1%. DPN was associated significantly with age, duration of diabetes milieus, uncontrolled A1c, and positive family history of diabetes mellitus (P < 0.05). All the investigated comorbidities were also associated significantly with DPN (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: The prevalence of DPN was 25.9% and was associated with age duration of DM and uncontrolled HbA1c. PHC physicians treating diabetes should be more aware of the importance of screening for DPN and the treatment plan.