Metformin Reduces the Risk of Diabetic Neuropathy Among Egyptian Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the association of different patient factors with the occurrence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. A case-control study was conducted on a total sample of 180 Egyptian type 2 diabetic patients. A full medical, medication, social, and family history was collected for the recruited sample. Glycated hemoglobin, lipid profile, and microalbuminuria were assessed. Among 180 patients recruited, 128 patients suffered from DPN. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) were higher among patients suffering from DPN (p-value = 0.007 and 0.005, respectively). Metformin usage was the only factor that showed a significant decrease in the odds of developing DPN (odds ratio 0.511, 95% confidence interval 0.264- 0.911). Subgroup analysis showed that metformin decreased DPN among males rather than females (p-value = 0.006 vs 0.616, respectively). In conclusion, Serum LDL-C and TC are both determinants for increased risk of DPN among type 2 diabetic patients. Metformin usage decreases DPN in a sex-specific dimorphic fashion where females are less liable to the protective effect of metformin against DPN.