Ankle-brachial index and diabetic neuropathy: study of 225 patients

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate neuropathic pain and peripheral vascular disease in diabetics and compare this with the length of time since diagnosis in type 1, and type 2 diabetes. Methods A cross-sectional study with 225 diabetics chosen from their responses on the DN4 questionnaire, who were then evaluated with the ankle-brachial index (ABI), separating type 1 diabetes from type 2 diabetes. Results A higher incidence of neuropathic pain in those over 60 years of age showed an ABI > 1.3. Neuropathic pain was related to an abnormal ABI in 144 patients (64.2%). A statistically significant value was obtained in type 2 diabetes patients with more than 10 years from disease onset, 69 with altered ABI and 25 with normal ABI. There was an altered ABI (< 0.9) observed in 33% of type 1 diabetes patients and in 67% of type 2 diabetes patients. Conclusion The ABI test in type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes patients is important even in those who are asymptomatic. A diagnosis of more than 10 years prior, regardless of the presence of neuropathic pain or ischemic signs, altered the ABI.