The prevalence and associated risk factors of peripheral diabetic neuropathy in Hamedan, Iran.

BACKGROUND Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus, of which it's most prevalent form is chronic sensorimotor neuropathy. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and its associated risk factors among diabetic patients who reside in Hamedan, Iran. METHODS A cross-sectional study of 600 types 1 and 2 diabetic patients was performed using the standard Neuropathy Symptom Score (NSS) and Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS) criteria for the diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy. RESULTS  Overall prevalence of DPN in this population was 45.7% (95% CI: 42.6%-48.8%). The prevalence of DPN in type 1 diabetic patients was 21.5%, whereas in type 2 diabetic patients it was 49.3% (P < 0.001). Duration of diabetes and education level were significantly associated with DPN in type 1 diabetic patients and a history of foot ulcer, age, duration of diabetes, weight, education level, and sex had a significant association with DPN in type 2 diabetic patients according to multiple logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION The results of our study showed a relatively high prevalence of DPN in our diabetic population. A significant difference existed in the prevalence of DPN between types 1 and 2 diabetic patients.