Prevalence and Risk Factors for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Among Malagasy Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Background and Aims Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most prevalent complication of diabetes, leading to functional impairment and a decline in patients' quality of life. The objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalence and risk factors for DPN in Malagasy patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted in the Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases Departments of the Soavinandriana hospital center over a 3‐year period. The diagnosis of NPD was made in the presence of a DN4 questionnaire score ≥ 4, impaired sensitivity to a 10 g monofilament and reduced or absent ankle reflexes. Results Among the 289 T2DM, the prevalence of DPN was 28.7%. After multivariate analysis, risk factors for DPN were age ≥ 60 years (OR 2.21 (1.19–4.08)), dyslipidemia (OR 3.38 (1.52–7.52)), microalbuminuria (OR 6.55 (3.69–11. 6)), diabetes duration ≥ 10 years (OR 2.92 (1.54–5.53)), glycated hemoglobin ≥ 7% (OR 2.43 (1.08–5.49)), nephropathy (OR 12.8 (6.71–24.3)) and retinopathy (OR 2.32 (1.25–4.31)). Conclusion DPN was a prevalent comorbidity among Malagasy patients with T2DM. The risk factors were consistent with those documented in the literature. The primary strategy for preventing DPN is the effective management of diabetes and modifiable risk factors.