Introduction: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with nerve conduction studies recognized as the diagnostic gold standard. Serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) has been linked with DPN. This study aims to determine the prevalence of DPN among T2DM patients, evaluate clinical characteristics, and explore the relationship between NSE and DPN. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Universiti Teknologi MARA Specialist Centre Sungai Buloh and Hospital Al-Sultan Abdullah, involving patients aged 18–60 years, diagnosed with T2DM for more than 5 years (n = 132). All participants underwent anthropometric measurement, completed the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument evaluation, and biochemical parameters, including lipid profile, hemoglobin A1c, and serum creatine and NSE. The diagnosis of DPN was made based on positive NCS findings. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with DPN. Results: The study population had a mean age of 60.16 ± 10.28 years and a mean duration of diabetes of 14.82 ± 6.66 years. The prevalence of DPN was 51.5% (n = 68). Serum NSE levels were significantly higher (p = 0.003) and independently associated with the presence of DPN (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.033, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.009–1.058, p = 0.006). Participants with DPN were also more likely to be on insulin therapy (p = 0.040). In addition, retinopathy (adjusted OR 3.567, 95% CI 1.528–8.329, p = 0.013) and elevated Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio levels indicating albuminuria (adjusted OR 1.031, 95% CI 1.002– 1.061, p = 0.037) were significantly associated with DPN. Conclusion More than half of the study population had DPN, which was significantly associated with both retinopathy and nephropathy, as well as with elevated serum NSE. This emphasizes the importance of early screening and highlights the role of NSE as a surrogate marker for neuropathy in diabetes.
Humans ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Diabetic Neuropathies ; Prevalence ; Phosphopyruvate Hydratase