A cross-sectional study evaluating the Ankle-Brachial index in type 2 diabetic neuropathy patients in a tertiary care hospital
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55184/ijpas.v78i01.590Keywords:
Diabetes Mellitus, Age, Biochemical, HbA1c, NeuropathyAbstract
Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a prevalent and disabling consequence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) that frequently coexists with peripheral artery disease (PAD). We hypothesized that early diagnosis of subclinical vascular abnormalities using the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) may help identify individuals at increased risk of neuropathy. Aim: Our present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) and peripheral neuropathy, as assessed by vibration perception threshold, in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients, and to explore the predictive utility of ABI for neuropathy among T2DM patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 patients with T2DM who visited the outpatient department. Participants were separated into two groups based on Vibration Perception Threshold (VPT) scores: Neuropathy (VPT > 15V) and no neuropathy (VPT < 15V). Anthropometric marker (Body Mass Index) and biochemical markers (FBS, PPBS, and HbA1c) were measured. The ABI was measured with a handheld Doppler equipment. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney t-test, and results were reported as Median (Interquartile range), followed by Spearman correlation and binomial regression analyses. Results: Patients with neuropathy exhibited significantly higher HbA1c p = 0.046), higher PPBS (p = 0.004), and significantly longer duration of diabetes (p < 0.001) as compared to the no neuropathy group. The neuropathy group showed significantly higher ABI (p = 0.036) as compared to patients with no neuropathy. Binomial logistic regression analysis found diabetes duration (p < 0.001) and ABI (p = 0.039) as significant independent predictors of neuropathy with an accuracy of 45%, sensitivity of 85%, specificity of 50%, and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.718. Conclusion: Neuropathy assessed by VPT in T2DM patients is significantly correlated with longer diabetes duration and vascular alterations revealed by ABI. Hence, regular screening with ABI and VPT can be used for identifying neuropathy and vascular problems at an early stage, facilitating the preventive treatment for diabetic neuropathy.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Prachi, Arpita Chakraborty, Rubia Mondal, Alpa Nasrin Samuel Shaikh, Subhadeep Ghoshal, Boudhayan Das Munshi, Tandra Ghosh
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