Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of peripheral neuropathy among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Thailand.

Materials and Methods: The authors performed a nationwide cross-sectional study of patients with T2DM based on the report of the Medical Research Network of the Consortium of the Thai Medical Schools. The present study evaluated quality of care among T2DM patients from the Ministry of Public Health and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Hospital between 2014 and 2015. Prevalence rates and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated, and univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the correlation between diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and medications. Other potential underlying factors including history of hypertension, peripheral arterial diseases, renal insufficiency, wound appearance, and amputation were also evaluated.

Results: Data from 65,904 T2DM patients was evaluated, 1,808 (2.7%) of whom had DPN. On multivariable analysis adjusted for patient characteristics and relevant complications, the risk of neuropathy was significantly greater in insulin users (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.318; 95% CI 1.161 to 1.496), as well as in calcium channel blocker users (AOR 1.186; 95% CI 1.056 to 1.333). Moreover, regression analysis showed that age (AOR 1.025; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.031), smoking habit (AOR 1.297; 95% CI 1.008 to 1.669), renal insufficiency (AOR 1.735; 95% CI 1.523 to 1.977), dyslipidemia (AOR 1.311; 95% CI 1.145 to 1.502), diabetic retinopathy (AOR 2.936; 95% CI 2.527 to 3.410), and peripheral arterial diseases (AOR 21.456; 95% CI 16.37 to 28.123) were associated with DPN.

Conclusion: Peripheral neuropathy can occur in T2DM patients showing microvascular symptoms and in those who receive certain hypoglycemic and antihypertensive agents. Early evaluation and effective treatments are essential to prevent progressive neuropathy.

Keywords: Diabetes, Neuropathy, Prevalence, Insulin, Complications

Received 30 Sep 2019 | Revised 6 Jan 2020 | Accepted 9 Jan 2020