Detection Of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy In Type–II Diabetes Population

Detection Of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy In Type–II Diabetes Population

Ms. Celeste Faria, Intern, Department of Physiotherapy, St. Andrews College of Physiotherapy, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Dr. Poonam Navbade, Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, St. Andrews College of Physiotherapy, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Dr. Albin Jerome, Principal, Department of Physiotherapy, St. Andrews College of Physiotherapy, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Dr. Nawaz Mulla, Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, St. Andrews College of Physiotherapy, Pune, Maharashtra, India

A B S T R A C T

Background:

Diabetes Mellitus causes chronic hyperglycemia leading to nerve damage and Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, presenting with pain, sensory loss, weakness, and balance impairment. Early stages are often asymptomatic, causing underdiagnosis. Urban diabetics in Pune are high risk. The Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Scoring Scale enables simple, cost-effective physiotherapy-based screening for early detection and disability prevention.

Method: 

227 diabetic patients from Wise Diabetes Clinic and Research Center, Pune, ages 50 to 70 years, participated in this cross-sectional observational study. Participants had to have at least five years of diabetes exposure. Common symptoms like pain, tingling, numbness, weakness and ataxia were questioned about and sensations like pin-prick, touch, temperature, vibration and position were evaluated along with examining the integrity of knee and ankle reflexes.

Results:

Among 227 participants, most were aged 56–58 years, with diabetes onset commonly at 47–52 years and duration of 5–14 years. Gender distribution was almost equal, and 42% were overweight. Neuropathy affected 61.2% of diabetics, predominantly moderate to severe. Lower-limb pain, sensory loss, and ataxia were common and symmetrical. Neuropathy was more frequent and severe among patients not adhering to regular medication.

Conclusion:

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is highly prevalent (61.2%) in Pune type 2 diabetic population, with 26.4% severe cases. Poor glycemic control, obesity, long disease duration, and non-adherence are key risk factors. The Toronto Clinical Scoring System supports early screening, enabling multidisciplinary management to prevent progression, ulcers, and amputations.

Keywords:

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Toronto Clinical Scoring Scale, Pathophysiology of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Pune Population