P-348: Comparison of peripheral neuropathy symptoms in newly diagnosed patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus
G Bahia, J SinghAbstract
Introduction
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus and may be present at diagnosis, particularly in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). While Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) usually presents acutely, T2DM often remains undiagnosed for years, allowing chronic hyperglycemia to contribute to neuropathic changes.
Objectives
To compare the prevalence of peripheral neuropathic symptoms, specifically tingling and numbness of the extremities, in patients with newly diagnosed T1DM and T2DM.
Methods
This comparative observational study included 200 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus, comprising 100 patients with T1DM and 100 patients with T2DM. Participants were recruited from the outpatient and inpatient departments of a tertiary care hospital after providing informed consent. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Peripheral neuropathic symptoms, including tingling and numbness of the upper and lower extremities, were assessed using a structured clinical questionnaire. The prevalence of neuropathic symptoms was compared between the two groups using appropriate statistical analyses with statistical significance.
Results
A total of 200 newly diagnosed patients were enrolled, including 100 with T1DM and 100 with T2DM. Peripheral neuropathic symptoms were more frequently reported in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM than in those with newly diagnosed T1DM. Tingling and numbness were the predominant symptoms observed. The higher prevalence of neuropathic symptoms among patients with T2DM is consistent with the possibility of prolonged asymptomatic hyperglycemia before diagnosis.
Conclusions
Patients with newly diagnosed T2DM demonstrated a higher prevalence of peripheral neuropathic symptoms compared with those with newly diagnosed T1DM. These findings highlight the importance of early detection of T2DM and routine screening for peripheral neuropathy at diagnosis to facilitate timely intervention and potentially reduce diabetes-related complications.