Prevalence and risk factors for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the prevalence and risk factors for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy through meta-analysis, and to provide countermeasures for early intervention and active prevention of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for articles published from the establishment of the database to November 2024. A total of 14 studies (nine cross-sectional studies and five cohort studies) qualified for meta-analysis. We used a random-effects meta-analysis and assessed heterogeneity and publication bias.

RESULTS

A total of 14 studies (nine cross-sectional, five cohort) were included. The prevalence of PDPN was estimated at 33.9% (95% CI [19.4%-48.5%]). Significant risk factors included female gender (OR = 1.29, = 0.004), glycosylated hemoglobin levels (WMD = 0.14, < 0.001), nephropathy (OR = 1.41, < 0.001), retinopathy (OR = 1.32, = 0.040), cardiovascular disease (OR = 1.46, < 0.001), arterial hypertension (OR = 1.25, = 0.047), triglycerides levels (WMD = -0.10, < 0.001), low density lipoprotein levels (WMD = -0.20, . 0.001), smoking (OR = 0.90, = 0.001), drinking alcohol (OR = 0.87, = 0.001), glomerular filtration rate levels (WMD = -7.11, < 0.001), obesity (OR = 2.00, = 0.001). The multivariate analysis results showed that female gender (OR = 1.42, = 0.032), age of onset (OR = 1.19, < 0.001), duration of diabetes (OR = 1.29, < 0.001), and retinopathy (OR = 1.90, = 0.032) were indicated as risk factors for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggests that female gender, glycosylated hemoglobin levels, nephropathy, retinopathy, cardiovascular disease, arterial hypertension, smoking, drinking alcohol, glomerular filtration rate levels, obesity, age of onset and duration of diabetes are indicated as risk factors for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42025629060.