[Diabetic neuropathy and its relationship with quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes].

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between diabetic neuropathy (DN) and quality of life (QoL) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2).

SETTING

Family Medicine Unit No. 33 (UMF 33), El Rosario, Azcapotzalco, Mexico City, Mexico.

DESIGN

Observational, analytical, cross-sectional.

PARTICIPANTS

365 participants aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of DM2, ascribed to a specialized diabetes care program.

MEASUREMENTS: A sociodemographic questionnaire and two standardized instruments were applied: the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), in its questionnaire (MNSIQ) and physical examination (MNSIEF) components and the SF-12v2 questionnaire to assess QoL through its physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) components. Frequencies and percentages were analyzed. The chi-square test was used for inferential statistics.

RESULTS

According to the MNSIQ, 35.6% presented signs of ND, while the MNSIEF it was detected in 99.2% of the participants. 59.5% reported good physical QoL, while 61.4% reported poor mental QoL. Although descriptive differences were notable, the statistical power was limited to demonstrate consistent associations between ND and QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest a discordance between patient self-perception and physical examination. ND could have a negative impact on QoL, especially on the mental component (MCS). Active screening for ND in primary care settings may enhance comprehensive care and improve perceived well-being in people with DM2.