Prevalence and Severity of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy & its impact on Quality of life of Diabetics in Hayatabad, Peshawar

Abstract

Background: Diabetes Mellitus may lead to long-standing complications, comprising of diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic peripheral neuropathy and a few other diabetic vascular abnormalities. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is most common chronic and long-term complication of diabetes mellitus and it is the leading cause of mortality, morbidity and consequently disability causing huge economic burden on the health system.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in diabetic population and to assess its severity and its impact on Quality of life.

Methodology& setting: Prevalence, severity of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and its impact on QOL of Diabetic population were determined in a sample of 386 diabetic patients using non-probability Convenience sampling, living in Hayatabad, Peshawar. In this cross-sectional study self-designed questionnaire using LANSS pain scale and McGill Pain Scale was used. The study ‘duration was 4 months from September 1^st to December 30^th2017.

Results: The prevalence of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Diabetic Population is 39.9%. 22% of the subjects reported having moderate symptoms related to DPN. 14.8% participants described the DPN, somewhat affecting their quality of life.

Conclusion: Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy is highly prevalent in the diabetic population, majority falling in age range 45-65, of Hayatabad, Peshawar. The most common variety of symptoms described by the participants were numbness and pins and needles.