DOI: 10.4103/jras.jras_389_25 ISSN: 2456-5601

Prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and its relationship with Prakriti among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Bengaluru: A cross-sectional study

Chandini Chandrasekharan, Sulochana Bhat, Vidyashree Anchan, Anjana Kuttiyamkulangara Surendran
Show PDF Cite

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) affects a substantial proportion of individuals with diabetes and is associated with considerable morbidity, including neuropathic pain and an increased risk of foot ulcers and lower limb complications. It is also crucial to identify and ascertain the risk factors for DPN as this may facilitate its early detection and timely management. In Ayurveda, Prakriti assessment is considered important in understanding disease susceptibility and prognosis. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to explore the association between DPN and Prakriti , which may help in improving approaches to early diagnosis, prevention, and management.

OBJECTIVE:

The primary objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of DPN and its relationship with Prakriti among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The secondary objective was to find the relationship between DPN and associated risk factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 T2DM patients at the diabetic center of an Ayurveda institute in Bengaluru using a consecutive sampling technique. Sociodemographic characteristics and medical records of the participating subjects were collected through face-to-face interviews using a predesigned questionnaire. DPN was assessed using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument, and Prakriti was assessed using the standard Prakriti Assessment Scale developed by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:

Normality of data was assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk test, categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages, bivariate associations were evaluated using the chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test, and binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with DPN.

RESULTS:

DPN affects 38% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 33.3%–42.8%; n = 152) of the 400 T2DM individuals in the study. A statistically significant association between DPN and certain risk factors related to age, educational status, smoking, dietary pattern, physical activity, high glycosylated hemoglobin, duration of diabetes, and family history of DPN ( P < 0.05) was found. Poor educational status (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.05–5.12, P < 0.05), poor glycemic control (AOR = 1.52, 95% CI: 0.43–5.34), and longer duration of diabetes (AOR = 3.37, 95% CI: 1.46–7.79 for 5–10 years and AOR = 10.15, 95% CI: 3.68–28.00 for more than 10 years) were independently associated with DPN in multivariate analysis. Prakriti was independently associated with DPN. Using Vata–Kaphaja as the reference category, participants with Vata–Pittaja (AOR = 48.35, 95% CI: 17.03–137.27, P < 0.05), Pittaja (AOR = 70.19, 95% CI: 14.21–346.64, P < 0.05), Vataja (AOR = 40.2, 95% CI: 11.03–147.19, P < 0.05), and Pitta–Kaphaja Prakriti (AOR = 6.44, 95% CI: 1.74–23.83, P < 0.05) had significantly higher odds of DPN. A high prevalence of all major symptoms of DPN including burning sensation (77.45%), weakness (58.82%), and numbness (79.41%) was noticed among Vata–Pittaja Prakriti .

CONCLUSION:

Over one-third of the study participants were affected by DPN. Poor educational status, duration of diabetes, and poor glycemic control were independently associated with DPN linked to T2DM. Additionally, Prakriti was a significant risk factor for DPN.

TRIAL REGISTRATION:

CTRI/2024/03/064317, dated March 18, 2024.

More from our Archive