Predictive factors for diabetic neuropathy in older people treated in primary care

Abstract

Background: Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a complication that affects patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM), a chronic disease with high prevalence among older people. Objective: To assess the predictive factors for diabetic neuropathy in older people treated in primary care. Methodology: Cross-sectional study with 111 older people with type 2 DM. A biochemical analysis was performed, and the Beck Depression Inventory, the Visual Numeric Scale, and the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs Pain Scale were used. The regression analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 20.0. Results: The prevalence of DN was 29.7%. Pain intensity in the feet and calves was significantly associated with DN (p = 0.001). The following factors were significantly associated with DN: glycated hemoglobin (p < 0.001), fasting blood sugar level (p = 0.001), triglycerides (p = 0.038), depression (p < 0.001), and a sedentary lifestyle (p < 0.001). After logistic regression, high glycated hemoglobin, a sedentary lifestyle, and depression remained associated with DN. Conclusion: The predictive factors for DN in older people were depression, high glycated hemoglobin, and a sedentary lifestyle.