Prevalence of Peripheral Arterial Disease in Diabetic Patients

Objective: Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a state characterized by atherosclerotic occlusive disease of lower extremities. Diabetes is the main risk factor for PAD. Material and Methods: To assess the prevalence of PAD, a cross sectional study was performed on 352 diabetic patients who referred to Yazd diabetes research center from 2007 to 2010. Vascular assessment was done by measuring the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) and Toe-Brachial Index (TBI). PAD was defined when ABI was less than 0.9 in each leg or ABI was more than 1.3 and TBI less than 0.6. Result: The mean age of diabetic patients was 56.97±10.3 and the mean of diabetes duration was 12.6±7.5 years. Fifty-two percent of these subjects were women and 48% men. ABI less than 0.9 was found in 8.5%, ABI 0.9-1.3 in 84.5%,and ABI more than 1.3 in 7%of the patients. Prevalence of PAD was 9.8%.In this study the age of diabetic patients with ABI less than 0.9 was significantly more than other groups. Conclusion: The prevalence of PAD in type 2 diabetes is 9.8% and history of cerebrovascular disease significantly associated with PAD.