Correlation Study of Duration of Type 2 Diabetes with Severity of Neuropathy

Background: Duration of diabetes mellitus is an important risk factor for all diabetes-related microvascular complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy. Up to 7.5% of patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) have clinical neuropathy at the time of diagnosis and this rate increases to 50% among patients who have had diabetes for 25 years.

Objective: The present population study was done to assess the correlation of severity of diabetic neuropathy (mild, moderate, and severe) in type 2 diabetes mellitus with that of the duration of disease

Materials and Method: A population-based sample of 60 persons with type-2 diabetes (identified as per the WHO criteria) underwent Vibration perception threshold (VPT) measurements for diabetic neuropathy grading. Severity of neuropathy was graded into three groups based on VPT score as mild (20-24.99 V), moderate (25-38.99 V), and severe (≥39 V). Chi square test was done to analyze the correlation between duration of the disease and the severity of neuropathy.

Results: There was a positive correlation between the duration of DM & severity of neuropathy, the correlation coefficient was 0.414 and this was statistically significant (p<0.001).

Conclusions: The results suggested highly significant correlation between severity of diabetic neuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus with that of the duration of disease, making this group vulnerable for complications such as foot ulceration or lower limb amputation. Preventive strategies and patient education still remain key factors in reducing complication rates and mortality.