Correlates of diabetic polyneuropathy of the elderly in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Diabetic polyneuropathy is associated with significant physical disability among older adults. However, their frequency and correlates are not well known in the older adults in Sub-Saharan-Africa. The objectives were to evaluate the hospital-based prevalence of diabetic polyneuropathy and identify its correlates in older adults.

METHODS:

Over a period of 5 months, a cross-sectional survey was carried out at Douala Laquintinie Hospital (DLH), a main reference hospital in Douala, the economic capital of Cameroon. Participants in our study group comprised all patients with type 2 diabetes, whatever the reason for their reporting to the hospital. Diabetic Polyneuropathy was defined according to a Diabetic Neuropathy Examination score > 3/16.

RESULTS:

A total of 159 older adults with diabetes were examined during this recruitment period, among whom 106 (66.7%) were women. The mean age was 68.3 ± 6.5 years. Diabetes median duration was 108 months. For all patients assessed using the Diabetic Neuropathy Examination score, polyneuropathy was reported in 31.4%; among them, polyneuropathy proved symptomatic in 78% of them. Correlates of polyneuropathy were glycated hemoglobin (p = 0.049), HIV infection (p = 0.031) and albuminuria (p< 0.001), even after adjustment for age, gender and duration of diabetes.

CONCLUSION:

A third of older adults with diabetes who visited our hospital were diagnosed with prevalent diabetes-related polyneuropathy. It shows that early detection is required through routine screening and regular follow-up examinations in order to reduce the risk of disability and improve the quality of life in elderly diabetics.

• Authors: Nadine Simo, Callixte Kuate-Tegueu, Steve Ngankou-Tchankeu, Jacques Doumbe, Youssoufa Maiga, Matteo Cesari, Jean-François Dartigues, Andre-Pascal Kengne, Maturin Tabue-Teguo
• Journal: PloS one (PLoS One) Vol. 15 Issue 10 Pg. e0240602 ( 2020) ISSN: 1932-6203 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 33119646 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Glycated Hemoglobin A

Topics

• Africa South of the Sahara (epidemiology)
• Aged
• Cameroon (epidemiology)
• Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 (blood, complications, epidemiology, pathology)
• Diabetic Neuropathies (blood, complications, epidemiology, pathology)
• Female
• Geriatric Assessment
• Glycated Hemoglobin (metabolism)
• HIV Infections (blood, complications, epidemiology, pathology)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neuralgia (blood, epidemiology, pathology)
• Quality of Life
• Risk Factors