Prevalence, burden and treatment response of diabetic peripheral neuropathy among attendees of the Diabetic Clinic in the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital

 Introduction: Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most troublesome complications of diabetes which accounts for substantial morbidity. Thus, early identification and appropriate management of diabetic neuropathy is very important to reduce this burden. This study was done to identify the prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and its impact on the patients' life and to assess the effectiveness of available treatment options.

Methodology: 235 patients were screened for symptoms and signs of DPN. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to assess the impact of neuropathy on their quality of life based on the NeuroQoL questionnaire, and patients were interviewed with regards to treatment efficacy.

Results: 74% of the screened sample had DPN, of whom 97.1% were symptomatic. About 40% of the symptomatic patients complained that DPN affects their quality of life. Seventy four percent mentioned that their symptoms were better with the pharmacological treatment prescribed.

Conclusion: DPN is common among diabetic patients in our clinic. The large majority is symptomatic with their quality of life affected, are reasonably relieved by currently available treatment options.