Prevalence and factors associated with peripheral neuropathy in individuals with diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of polyneuropathy (PND) in type 2 diabetic individuals assisted at the Center for Health Hiperdia in Viçosa and to identify factors associated with a positive diagnosis of PND through the score of neuropathic symptoms and susceptibility testing. Methods: Cross-sectional quantitative study performed from December 2013 to June 2014, through secondary source. The prevalence of PND and its association with each variable was assessed using the chi-square test and the Fisher exact test. In the logistic regression it was used the method of disposal backward by the Wald test. Results: It was found the prevalence of PND: 36.89%, higher in males, in patients with delayed diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM) and with the absence of protective sensation plant (SPP). Conclusion: The study found a high prevalence of PND, reinforcing the need for early diagnosis in order to prevent ulcers and improving the quality of life of diabetic patients.