Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy among Saudi diabetic patients is common but under-recognized: Multicenter cross-sectional study at primary health care setting

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN) and its associated risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending primary health care (PHC) in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter, cross-sectional study evaluated 242 type 2 diabetics who attended the National Guard PHC clinics in Riyadh. Trained physicians obtained the relevant data and medical history and assessed PDPN using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument. RESULTS: About 35% of patients with type-2 diabetes in this study had painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy. High risk hemoglobin level and poor compliance with treatment were associated with increased odds of PDPN (Odds ratio [OR] =3.121, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.154-8.444, OR = 3.546, 95% CI 1.531-8.214, respectively). It is noted that only in one patient with PDPN, was their PDPN recognized by physicians. Furthermore, none of our study participants was taking medication to control the pain. CONCLUSIONS: One-third of Saudi Arabia's Type 2 diabetes patients have PDPN. PHC physicians treating diabetes should be more aware of the importance of screening for PDPN and the treatment plan.