Prevalence of Polyneuropathy in Pre-Diabetes and Diabetes: Associated Factors

What is it about?

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of polyneuropathy in subjects with diabetes, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), or normal glucose tolerance (NGT). The prevalence of polyneuropathy was slightly higher in individuals with IGT and IFG compared with those with NGT. The association with waist circumference and PAD suggested that abdominal obesity and cardiovascular risk factors may constitute important targets for preventing diabetic polyneuropathy. The study also found that diabetes, age, and waist circumference were independently associated with polyneuropathy, while peripheral arterial disease (PAD) was associated with polyneuropathy in the diabetic group.

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Why is it important?

This research is important as it sheds light on the prevalence and risk factors of polyneuropathy in subjects with diabetes, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), or normal glucose tolerance (NGT). The study found that the prevalence of polyneuropathy is higher in individuals with IGT and IFG compared to those with NGT, and more than twofold higher in subjects with diabetes compared to those with IGT. Moreover, the study found that age, waist circumference, and diabetes were independent factors associated with polyneuropathy, and waist circumference and PAD were independently associated with prevalent polyneuropathy in the diabetic group. This information can help in the development of strategies to prevent diabetic polyneuropathy. Key Takeaways: 1. The prevalence of polyneuropathy is slightly increased in individuals with IGT and IFG compared with those with NGT. 2. In the general population and in diabetic patients, apart from age, waist circumference and PAD are independently associated with prevalent polyneuropathy. 3. Visceral obesity, as assessed by waist circumference, may constitute an important target for strategies to prevent diabetic polyneuropathy. 4. PAD verified by ankle brachial index has not been previously reported as a risk modifier for the prevalence of polyneuropathy in diabetic patients.