TITLE:
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathies in Type 2 Diabetes at Brazzaville University Hospital: Prevalence and Associated Factors
AUTHORS:
Ghislain Armel Mpandzou, Yacouba Kaba, Prince Eliot Galiéni Sounga Bandzouzi, Esther Julia Mounoundzi, Josué Euberma Diatewa, Dinah Happhia Motoula Latou, Karen Lise Obondzo Aloba, Paul Macaire Ossou-Nguiet
KEYWORDS:
Type 2 Diabetes, Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Prevalence, Associated Factors, Brazzaville, Sub-Saharan Africa
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Neuroscience,
Vol.15 No.3,
August
8,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a frequent and disabling complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), often underdiagnosed. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of DPN and identified its associated factors among T2DM patients in Brazzaville. Methods: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from February to July 2024 among T2DM patients at the Brazzaville University Hospital. Patients aged 18 and older, who underwent neurological and electroneuromyographic (ENMG) assessment, were included. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with DPN. Results: Of 102 patients included, 81 (79.4%) were diagnosed with DPN. Carpal tunnel syndrome (87%) and distal sensorimotor polyneuropathy (37%) were the most frequent presentations. ENMG revealed 18.5% of subclinical cases. The mean age of patients with DPN was 59.75 ± 9.87 years. Advanced age (OR = 1.069; p = 0.027) and longer duration of diabetes (OR = 1.034; p = 0.034) were significantly associated with DPN. Conclusion: DPN is highly prevalent among T2DM patients in Brazzaville. Routine ENMG at diagnosis is recommended to facilitate early detection and limits complications.