Risk factors and psychological condition of pruritus in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a retrospective, propensity score-matched study

Y.-Y. Chen, Q.-P. Yang, S.-P. Peng, Z.-Z. Li, H.-Y. Yang, X.-G. Fan, M.-M. Xu

Shen Zhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shen Zhen, China. szszyyhlb2@163.com

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• Dermatology
• Diabetes
• Psychology

OBJECTIVE: Our aim is to characterize patients with pruritus in type 2 diabetes, determine independent risk factors and explore the impact of the psychological condition of these patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study. From October 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021, 944 individuals with T2DM who had medical treatment were identified from the database. Electronic medical record information including patient characteristics, complications, laboratory data, and medication usage was obtained from the database. Propensity score matching, univariate analysis and a multivariable logistic regression model were used in this study. Based on observation, we discussed the psychological impact of pruritus on these patients.

RESULTS: There were 97 patients with T2DM who suffered from pruritus. After propensity score matching based on age, gender, and family history of diabetes etc., 97 pairs of subjects were matched. 97 patients were categorized as the Pruritus group and 97 patients as the Non-pruritus group. In univariate analysis, there were 5 variables significantly related to pruritus, including BMI, absolute eosinophils, percentage of eosinophils, diabetic kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy. After multivariable logistic regression, BMI (OR 1.094, 95%CI 1.010-1.185) and diabetic retinopathy (OR 2.440, 95%CI 1.229-4.847) were considered significant. Patients with pruritus in T2DM suffer greatly in psychological condition in many ways.

CONCLUSIONS: For patients with pruritus complicated by T2DM, BMI and diabetic retinopathy may be independent risk factors. Mental health problems such as anxiety and depression might exacerbate by pruritus. The intimate partner relationship was also challenged due to the restless sleep caused by their partner. Frequent monitoring of BMI and diabetic retinopathy and psychological assessment may be warranted in these patients.

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