Abstract:
Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, often leading to ulceration, amputation, and prolonged hospitalization. However, there is limited documentation on its prevalence and associated factors in the study area.
Method: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 adult type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients undergoing treatment and follow-up at the University of Gondar Diabetes Follow-up Clinic in Northwest Ethiopia between September and November 2024. Participants were selected through a systematic random sampling method. Data collection involved semi-structured questionnaires and medical record reviews. The Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) was utilized to assess DPN.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and key factors influencing diabetic peripheral neuropathy among type 2 DM patients at the University of Gondar Diabetic Follow-up Clinic.
Results: The prevalence of DPN was assessed using the combined MNSI symptom and sign scores. Neuropathy was defined as an MNSI symptom score of at least 7 (out of 13) or a physical assessment score of at least 2.5 (out of 10). The overall prevalence of DPN among participants was 43.6% (95% CI: 38.8–48.5).
Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with diabetes for 10 or more years were 2.8 times more likely to develop DPN (AOR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.2–6.3) compared to those with a diabetes duration of less than five years. Additionally, physically inactive individuals had a 2.8 times higher risk of DPN (AOR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.5–5.01) compared to active participants. Patients with comorbid dyslipidemia were nearly four times more likely to develop DPN (AOR: 4.2, 95% CI: 1.8–9.5) than those without lipid abnormalities. Furthermore, those with comorbid hypertension had a 4.3 times higher likelihood of developing DPN (AOR: 4.3, 95% CI: 2.4–7.7) than those without hypertension.
Conclusion: The study found that 43.6% of participants had DPN, with significant associations observed with comorbid hypertension, dyslipidemia, physical inactivity, and long-standing diabetes (≥10 years). Addressing these risk factors through early intervention and management strategies is crucial to reducing the burden of DPN among diabetic patients.
