Prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at a tertiary referral centre in Singapore

Abstract

Background: There is a lack of data regarding prevalence estimates of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in Singapore. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of DPN and risk factors in patients who present to a diabetic foot screening clinic and are considered low to medium risk in developing foot complications due to their type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: A one-year retrospective analysis was conducted at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. Patients who underwent diabetic foot screening and endocrinologist review in the Diabetes and Endocrinology Specialist Outpatient Clinic during the period January 2019–December 2019 were included in this study. DPN was defined by the patient’s inability to detect ⩾1 out of 10 sites using the 10 g monofilament. Significantly associated risk factors with DPN were analysed using a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: Data from 479 patients were analysed. Prevalence of DPN was 28% (95% confidence interval (CI) 24.0–32.2). DPN was significantly associated with age >65 years (odds ratio (OR)=5.44, 95% CI 2.87–10.32), Indian ethnicity (OR=1.99, 95% CI 1.04–3.80), insulin use (OR=1.65, 95% CI 1.03– 2.64), diabetic retinopathy (OR=2.36, 95% CI 1.47–3.78) and stroke (OR=2.44, 95% CI 1.03–5.77). Conclusion: Prevalence of DPN in this study’s population sample was 28%, and the significant risk factors are age, Indian ethnicity, insulin use, diabetic retinopathy and stroke.