Prevalence and characteristics of diabetic polyneuropathy in Passo Fundo, South of Brazil.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of peripheral diabetic neuropathy (PDN) and associated characteristics among type 2 diabetic mellitus (DM2) patients in Passo Fundo, a city on Southern Brazil.

Basic Procedures: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 340 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Tests were performed to evaluate vibration (tuning fork), light touch (10-g monofilament), temperature, and pain (pinprick) sensations, as well as ankle reflexes and heel walking.

[Prevalence of micro and macroangiopatic chronic complications and their risk factors in the care of out patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus].

Background: Type 2 diabetes (DM2) has been related to the development of macroangiopatic [coronary heart disease (CHD), peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and stroke] and microangiopatic [retinopathy, nephropathy, and distal sensory neuropathy (DSN)] complications. The aims of this study were to analyze prevalence of complications in DM2 patients and to estimate their associated risk factors.

Methods: Cross-sectional study, including 927 out patients with DM2 from three medical centers in Rio Grande do Sul: Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (n = 475), Grupo Hospitalar Conceicao (n = 229) and Hospital Sao Vicente de Paula (n = 223).