Early Detection of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Diabetic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is a chronic complication in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients and is characterized by paresthesia, pain, and hypoesthesia of the extremities. The Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom-Score (DNS) is a quick, inexpensive, and easy-to-perform tool to detect DPN in clinical practice. Biochemical markers like Nitric Oxide (NO) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) play a role in the early detection of DPN. This study aims to investigate the relationship between risk factors and these biomarkers. So, it is expected to improve the prevention and treatment of diabetic neuropathy more effectively. Method: A cross-sectional method was used for this study. The sample size was 85 patients with T2DM who visited several primary healthcare in Medan, selected by consecutive sampling method based on eligibility criteria. Data collected included DNS, assessment of NO, VEGF, Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1C), plasma blood glucose (PBG), and lipid profile. The collected data were analyzed using an independent T-test. objective: This study aims to investigate the relationship between risk factors and these biomarkers. So, it is expected to improve the prevention and treatment of diabetic neuropathy more effectively. Result: The results showed that most T2DM patients, namely 73 people (85.9%), experienced DPN. From the bivariate analysis results, the risk factors associated with the prevalence of DPN in T2DM patients were found to be increased levels of total cholesterol, HbA1c, NO, and VEGF (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, blood pressure, fasting BGL, HDL-C, LDL-C, and triglycerides were not related to the occurrence of DPN in this study (p> 0.05). Conclusion: DNS can be used as a quick and easy initial screening tool implemented in clinical practice for screening DPN. Diabetic patients with DPN tend to have lower NO and increased VEGF; besides, NO levels are also associated with the progression of DPN. Furthermore, education, blood sugar control, and physical exercise, especially leg exercises, can prevent progressive DPN. other: Using DNS can be a quick and easy initial screening tool implemented in clinical practice. Diabetes patients with DPN tend to have lower NO levels than DM patients without neuropathy. Reduced NO levels and elevated cholesterol levels may play a role in the progression of neuropathy. Furthermore, they tend to have lower VEGF levels than patients without neuropathy. Reduced VEGF levels may also be a risk factor for neuropathy in DM patients.