Screening for asymptomatic peripheral artery disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus modifies the natural history of atherosclerosis. Therefore, the impact of this process on the different vascular beds is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients.

Objectives: Determine the frequency of asymptomatic peripheral artery disease in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, its relationship with other clinical variables of diabetes and complications of the disease.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Cerro polyclinic with a total of 100 type 2 diabetic patients aged between 40 and 70 years in a period of one year (2019), without prior diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease or foot injuries. Peripheral pulses of the lower limbs were examined and the ankle-brachial pressure index was calculated.

Results: 36 patients with low rates were identified, which was consistent with asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease (36 %). Smoking habit was significantly related to the presence of low rates (p = 0.02), but there were no significant differences with respect to age, sex, skin color, time of evolution of diabetes, consumption of alcoholic beverages, physical activity, high blood pressure and obesity. Most patients had a slight affectation regarding severity.

Conclusions: Asymptomatic peripheral artery disease is a common complication in people with type 2 diabetes.