Procedimientos de enfermería para la valoración de la neuropatía periférica diabética. Revisión bibliográfica

Abstract

Diabetes, a chronic metabolic condition that raises blood glucose levels, carries serious health consequences. Among its most significant complications is diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), common in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Research in the literature indicates that around 50% of people with diabetes suffer from this condition, frequently manifested at through symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain and weakness in the extremities. Properly evaluating and monitoring this condition is essential for its treatment. With the aim of investigating the methods of assessment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA protocol. This review covered various academic and scientific databases, initially identifying 60 studies, of which, after applying specific criteria, 21 scientific articles were selected for analysis. The results showed that diabetic neuropathy manifests with specific symptoms such as pain, tingling and itching. Diabetes mellitus is positioned as the main risk factor associated with this condition, accompanied by elements such as age, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, smoking, alcoholism and overweight. Worldwide, the prevalence of this disease exceeds 50%. As for nursing procedures, these focus on patient care through the use of drugs, glucose control, physical therapy, podiatric care, and alternative approaches such as acupuncture, laser therapy, and electrical stimulation.