Prevalence of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and Its Association With Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Health-Related Quality of Life

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and vitamin B12 deficiency, their associated factors, and impact on health-related quality of life in a sample from the Dominican Republic.

Methods: A total of 367 patients with diabetes were recruited. The Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS) was used to evaluate the presence of neuropathy symptoms, while the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used to assess health-related quality of life.

Results: Of the participants, 33.5% had neuropathy according to TCSS scores. Only one participant reported having a previous diagnosis of neuropathy. Factors associated with neuropathy were age, chronic renal insufficiency, and history of stroke. The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was 4.5%, and no association was found with neuropathy. The presence of neuropathy significantly affected (P < 0.05) all physical dimensions of the SF-36 and the vitality dimension. Factors associated with the Physical Component Score (PCS) were age, neuropathy, and total number of comorbidities; factors associated with Mental Component Score (MCS) were age, sex, and being widowed.

Conclusions: The prevalence of neuropathy was high and its impact on QoL was significant. Almost none of the patients in which neuropathy was detected had a previous diagnosis. Considering this, the development of awareness and prevention interventions among both doctors and patients in the Dominican context is of utmost importance.