Awareness, Prevalence and Risks of Diabetic Neuropathy among Type – 2 Diabetic Mellitus (T2dm) Patients in a Tertiary Health Centre in Nigeria: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a prevalent and debilitating complication of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) that significantly impacts patients' quality of life and imposes a considerable burden on healthcare systems. Despite the rising prevalence of diabetes in Nigeria, awareness, early detection, and management of DPN remain suboptimal. This study systematically reviews existing literature to evaluate the awareness, prevalence, and risk factors associated with DPN among T2DM patients in selected tertiary healthcare facilities in Africa. The review also identifies gaps in research and provides recommendations for improved management strategies.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Literature from 2014 to 2024 was sourced from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar using keywords related to DPN, T2DM, prevalence, awareness, and risk factors. Studies were screened using defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Data extraction focused on study characteristics, findings, and key outcomes.

Results: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria, with reported DPN prevalence ranging from 29.4% to 93.3%. Key risk factors included advanced age, poor glycemic control, hypertension, obesity, and long disease duration. Awareness of DPN was notably low, with limited routine screening practices in healthcare facilities. Diagnostic variability among screening tools, such as the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) and biothesiometers, highlighted a need for standardization. The review identified significant gaps in patient education, standardized protocols, and long-term evaluations of interventions.

Conclusion: DPN remains a critical complication of T2DM, with significant implications for patient quality of life and healthcare systems. Addressing gaps in awareness, routine screening, and diagnostic practices is essential. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies, patient-centered education, and cost-effective diagnostic tools to mitigate the burden of DPN in resource-constrained settings.