Diabetic Polyneuropathy and Associated Factors in a Population of Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Garoua, Cameroon

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is the most common complication of diabetes, affecting nearly half of patients with type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated to DPN. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study from January to May 2024 at the Garoua Regional Hospital (GRH) and the Garoua General Hospital (HGG), involving type 2 diabetic patients. The DN-4 questionnaire, a screening tool for diabetic polyneuropathy comprising 10 items, was used as a diagnostic tool. The diagnosis was established based on a score ≥ 4. A logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated to DPN. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: Among the 203 patients included in the study, with a median (IQR) age of 56 (48 - 63) years, 68.5% were female. The median (IQR) duration of diabetes was 5 (2 - 9) years, with a median (IQR) glycated hemoglobin level of 8.80% (7.50% - 10.6%). Dyslipidemia was the most common additional cardiovascular risk factor (65.35%). The prevalence (95% CI) of painful diabetic neuropathy was 45.81% (38.82% - 52.96%). The main associated factors [aOR (95% CI), p] were female sex [3.65 (1.62 - 8.23), p = 0.037], age ≥ 60 years [4.57, (2.11 - 9.86), (p = 0.048)], diabetes duration ≥ 10 years [2.93. (1.16 - 7.45), (p = 0.006)], glycated hemoglobin level ≥ 7% [3.99, (1.25 - 5.72), (p = 0.043)] and chronic kidney disease [4.79, (2.22 - 7.54), (p = 0.009)]. Conclusion: The high prevalence of diabetic polyneuropathy and its multiple associated factors highlight a major challenge in its prevention, particularly through optimal glycaemic control, in order to improve patients’ quality of life.