Prevalence and Correlates of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in a Saudi Arabic Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the prevalence and correlates of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in a Saudi population. The study population consisted of 552 diabetic participants with an average age of 53.4 years. Among this population, 62.7% were male and 94.9% had type 2 diabetes. The average body mass index was 31.1 kg/m2. DPN was diagnosed based on a combination of reduced vibration perception measured by neurothesiometer and/or reduced light touch perception evaluated by the 10-g Semmes-Weinstein monofilament, as well as neurological symptoms. Information on socio-demographic variables, smoking status, duration of diabetes, and medications was obtained through interviews by physicians. Body weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure and clinical markers were assessed following standard procedures. The prevalence of DPN in this population was 19.9% (95% CI, 16.7%-23.5%). In the multivariable analyses, longer duration of diabetes [odds ratio (OR) for every 5-year increase, 2.49, 95% CI, 1.75-3.53], abdominal obesity (OR, 2.53, 95% CI, 1.41-4.55), and higher levels of fasting blood glucose (OR for every 1 mmol/L increase, 1.05, 95% CI, 0.99-1.12), creatinine (OR for every 10 µmol/L increase, 1.07, 95% CI, 0.99-1.14) and white blood cell count (OR for every 106/L increase, 1.08, 95% CI, 1.01-1.16) were associated with higher odds of DPN, while oral hypoglycemic medication use was associated with a lower odds of DPN (OR, 0.47, 95% CI, 0.26-0.85). In this large Saudi population, several correlates for DPN, in addition to glycemic control and diabetes duration, were identified, including abdominal obesity, creatinine and white blood cell count.

Association of Diabetes Related Complications with Heart Rate Variability among a Diabetic Population in the UAE

“…Of interest is that this group had the highest mean HbA1c suggesting that peripheral nerve function is more susceptible to uncontrolled diabetes but may be also exacerbated by the type of footwear most often worn in the Middle East, where wearing open toes sandals can lead to foot deformity and loss of microvascular flow to the foot [53]. DPN is also associated with autonomic nervous system dysfunction.…”

Associations of serum anti-ganglioside antibodies and inflammatory markers in diabetic peripheral neuropathy

“…Meanwhile, TNF-a regulated CRP which could recognize and activate the substances that influenced inflammatory response and defense mechanisms, resulting in reduction of blood supply, ischemia, or necrosis in nerve tissue and nerve impulse conduction block, as well as emergence of various nerve damage symptoms. Wang et al found that levels of CRP were significantly associated with higher odds of DPN [28]. Interestingly, CRP could induce expression of PAI-1 messenger RNA and promote generation of PAI-1 [29].…”

Percepção sensorial tátil alterada em pacientes com diabetes mellitus: uma revisão integrativa

“…Embora não seja um fator de risco modificável, a duração do diabetes é de grande importância para a identificação e gerenciamento precoce de qualquer alteração na sensibilidade tátil e neuropatia 14 . O tempo de diagnóstico da doença, associado ao descontrole metabólico (HbA1c > 7%), traz graves consequências ao paciente portador de DM.…”

“…Ademais, a hemoglobina glicosilada alta é considerada um indicador para a gravidade da DM e a consequente alteração na sensação tátil, pois uma condição de hiperglicemia por longo prazo pode levar à diminuição do fluxo sanguíneo para os tecidos, provocando danos microvasculares nos nervos periféricos e, portanto, o desenvolvimento da neuropatia 14 .…”