Publication:

Prevalence of asymptomatic peripheral vascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes by color Doppler study

Background A diagnosis of peripheral vascular disease in patients with diabetes mandates a multifaceted treatment approach, involving aggressive risk factor modification, anti-platelet therapy and revascularization procedures. Objective of the study is to study the prevalence of asymptomatic Peripheral vascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus by color Doppler study and to correlate it with risk factors and ischemic heart disease.

Methods A total of 40 patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending outpatient department at Mamata General Hospital, Khammam during the period of August 2008 to August 2009 were selected randomly and a cross sectional analysis was done. The initial history was directed towards obtaining details regarding age/sex of the patient, symptoms/duration of type 2 diabetes, diet/treatment compliance, glycemic control based on HbA1c, presence of hypertension, habit of smoking, family history, symptoms suggestive of limb ischemia, past history of diabetic foot lesions, assessment of physical activity.

Results The prevalence of asymptomatic peripheral vascular disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus was found to be 30%. Age more than 50 years, male sex, smoking, duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus more than 10 years, poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 8%), increased waist hip ratio, overweight and obesity (BMI > 25 kg/m2), increased waist circumference, increased serum cholesterol, increased serum LDL, increased serum Triglycerides, decreased serum HDL, hypertension, abnormal ECG, poor physical activity were found to be risk factors for peripheral vascular disease and they were statistically significant. But the factors like family history of diabetes, diet/treatment compliance were not found to be statistically significant.

Conclusions Age more than 50 years, male sex, smoking, duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus more than 10 years, poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 8%), increased waist hip ratio, overweight and obesity (BMI > 25 kg/m2), increased waist circumference, increased serum cholesterol, increased serum LDL, increased serum Triglycerides, decreased serum HDL, hypertension, abnormal ECG, poor physical activity were found to be risk factors for peripheral vascular disease.