Risk Factor Analysis of Restless Legs Syndrome in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is a global epidemic in India. The highest prevalence is estimated of 79.4 million by 2030. Diabetes Mellitus has been associated with secondary form of RLS. Aim: This study is to assess the possible risk factor for RLS development in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients. Methods: This retrospective study focused on 120 Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients who were selected by using convenient sampling technique. The tool consisted of three parts: Part I was socio-demographic variables; Part II was clinical and Part III consisted of RLS rating scale. Result: The majority of the patients were with more than 10 years duration of Diabetes Mellitus, and 42.5% of the patients are obese. In relation to glycemic control, 67.5% of the patients were with HbA1c of more than 7. The majority of the patients (60.8%) were with raised fasting blood glucose and 74.2% of the patients with raised postprandial blood sugar level. There was significant association of severity of RLS with demographic variables like age, education, marital status, income, duration of diabetes, HbA1c, postprandial blood sugar, use of physical exercise, episode of hypoglycemia during last month and comorbidity at 0.05 levels. Conclusion: This study suggests that glycemic control has an association between RLS and type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects. Proper, early diagnosis and treatment of RLS may go a long way in reducing morbidity and probably mortality in diabetic patients.