Frequency of Sensory Neuropathy in patients with Long Standing Diabetes Presenting to Abbottabad Medical Complex

Abstract

Diabetic sensory neuropathy remains one of the most common and disabling complications of long-standing diabetes mellitus, contributing substantially to morbidity, functional impairment, and reduced quality of life. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the frequency and associated factors of sensory neuropathy among patients with long-standing diabetes presenting to the Medicine Department of Abbottabad Medical Complex. A total of 113 patients aged 30–70 years with diabetes duration exceeding five years were enrolled over six months (17 November 2024 to 17 May 2025). Sensory neuropathy was assessed clinically using predefined criteria, including numbness, paresthesia, impaired vibration sense, and reduced proprioception. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. The average age of the group was 54.8 8.6 years, and 52.2 percent of the group was male. The total occurrence of sensory neuropathy was 41.6 (n = 47). Diabetes duration more than 10 years old (p = 0.01) and weak glycemic control (p = 0.02) were significantly linked with neuropathy. Greater BMI, rurality, and anemia presented greater percentages of neuropathy, but not statistically significant. Numbness (83%), tingling or paresthesia (72.3%), and loss of sense of vibration (59.6) were the most common symptoms. The findings indicate the significant contribution of diabetic sensory neuropathy to the patients with long-standing diabetes in north Pakistan. Their close relation with poor glycemic management and extended disease course explains the necessity of regular neurological examination and precautionary actions. Organized screening evaluating neuropathy might improve patient functional outcomes, lessen long-term disability, and enhance patient quality of life which in turn strengthens diabetes care.