Prevalence and Risk Factors for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

Background and Aims: Neuropathy is the most prevalent among diabetes-related microvascular complications, of which distal symmetric polyneuropathy is very extensive. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and risk factors for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) among Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study included 238 patients with T2D, between 18 and 80 years of age. Using a structured questionnaire, data on the sociodemographic characters of the study group and laboratory tests were collected. Distal symmetrical peripheral neuropathy in patients with diabetes was identified using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI). Results: In this cohort, 66 patients (27.7%) had positive MNSI questionnaire scores (≥ 7) and 90 (37.8%) patients had positive examination scores (≥ 2.5). From the patient's perception, patients on oral plus insulin treatment exhibited a higher risk for DPN (OR 2.95; p = 0.018) than those who received only oral treatment and an ulcer in an earlier period exhibited a higher risk for DPN (OR: 3.25; p = 0.005). From the health professionals’ perception, more females than males showed a high risk for DPN (OR: 3.92; p = 0004). Likewise, compared to the patients in the age group of <50 years, those in the age group of ≥50 years revealed a high risk for DPN (OR 6.30; p = 0.009). Further, patients on oral and insulin treatments were at greater risk for DPN (OR: 3.71; p = 0.024); patients experiencing complications like prior ulcers, and high-density lipoprotein also exhibited higher risk than the patients who lacked them. Conclusion: Diabetes neuropathy is one of the most common complications of microangiopathy experienced by patients with T2D in Saudi Arabia. The risks for DPN among patients with T2D can be reduced with the implementation of focused and evidence-based interventions.