Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) of the lower limbs is an important predictor of cardiovascular disease; however it's still underdiagnosed over asymptomatic diabetic patients, free of cardiovascular disease.

Determining the prevalence and risk factors for PAD in an asymptomatic population of diabetic patients at low or intermediate risk factors of cardiovascular disease, with a free history of cardiovascular disease.

This was a prospective study conducted over 14 months period from November 2017 to January 2018. A total of 309 diabetic patients were included from two diabetes centers. PAD was defined as an ankle-brachial index (ABI) less than 0,9.

Among the 309 patients, the ankle-brachial index (ABI) was <0.9 in 98 (31,71%) patients considered to have PAD. The ABI was >1.3 in 36 (11,35%) patients who had suspected mediacalcosis.

The average age of the PAD population was 56.2 years. Female gender predominated (57%). The mean duration of diabetes was 11 yeras: 80% type II Diabetes.

PAD of the lower limbs was mild in 26 patients (26,53%) moderate in 49 (50%) and severe in 23 (23,46%).

Duplex Doppler commonly showed lesions of the femoral and tibial arteries.

Factors associated with PAD were advanced age (P<0.0001), age of diabetes>6 years (P<0.0001), uncontrolled diabetes as assessed by HbA1c levels>7% (P<0), 0001) and elevated fasting glucose levels (P=0.039), Hypertension (P<0.0001) and dyslipidemia (P<0.0001).

For mediacalcosis, male gender was the only factor identified.

Primary prevention outpatient screening of asymptomatic diabetic patients with lower or intermediate cardiovascular risk can identify numerous patients with PAD. Advanced age, a mean duration of diabetes over 6years, uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were predictive factors for diabetic PAD of the lower limbs in our population.