Background: Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a significant complication in patients with diabetes mellitus, often leading to increased morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Ankle-Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) as a diagnostic tool for PAD in this patient population.

Methods: This prospective study included 150 diabetic patients. The ABPI was measured and correlated with clinical parameters, including age, duration of diabetes, BMI, smoking status, and glycemic control. The sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of ABPI for PAD detection were calculated.

Results: The study found that abnormal ABPI readings were significantly associated with older age (p < 0.001), longer duration of diabetes (p < 0.001), higher BMI (p < 0.001), and smoking (p = 0.012). Poor glycemic control was also linked to abnormal ABPI readings (p < 0.001). The ABPI showed a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 80% for diagnosing PAD, with an AUC of 0.83. Patients with hypertension and dyslipidemia had a higher prevalence of abnormal ABPI readings.

Conclusion: ABPI is a reliable diagnostic tool for detecting PAD in patients with Diabetes Mellitus. Its effectiveness is influenced by several patient-related factors, including the duration of diabetes, BMI, and glycemic control. Regular ABPI screening is recommended in diabetic patients, especially those with additional cardiovascular risk factors.