Peripheral neuropathy of the lower limbs in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

All rights reserved. Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus often presents complications including peripheral neuropathy of the lower limbs. This is a micro-vascular complication, altering the quality of life and increasing the morbidity and mortality of those who suffer from it. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 323 patients. This was calculated with 95% confidence, 30% prevalence of obesity, 5% inference error, infinite population, and they entered the study sequentially. The diagnosis of neuropathy was made with the DN4 questionnaire. Data were collected directly. Results: The prevalence of neuropathy was 44,0% (95% CI 35,8-52,2); in women 49,3%, in men 34,0%; in children under 40 years 0%; between 40-64 years 42,6% and those over 64 years 48,3%, Conclusions: The prevalence of neuropathy was higher than the 30% stated in the hypothesis, and was associated with the time of evolution of diabetes.