[Preliminary results of the HEARTS Initiative in Mexico: facilitators and barriers in information systemsResultados preliminares da Iniciativa HEARTS no México: facilitadores e barreiras dos sistemas de informação]. / Resultados preliminares de la Iniciativa HEARTS en México: facilitadores y barreras de los sistemas de información.

Objective: To compare the differences in treatment coverage of patients with systemic arterial hypertension and the proportion of patients with controlled AHT, between December 2020 and December 2021 in health facilities that implemented the HEARTS Initiative, and to explore the facilitators and barriers related to information systems in Mexico. Methods: Descriptive ecological observational study. The results at health facilities that have begun implementing the HEARTS Initiative (n=29) in Chiapas and Sonora were compared, with respect to the variables of treatment coverage and control of AHT, across four periods (semesters) in 2020 and 2021. Results: There were more women than men in treatment and with controlled AHT in the different age groups. Some barriers were identified in information systems (e.g., multiplicity of systems, lack of interoperability, limited internet connectivity in health facilities), as well as facilitators (e.g., free access to information, availability of data from previous years, generation of estimates and projections). Conclusions: Sixteen (55%) of the implementing facilities improved the proportion of patients with controlled AHT in the period covered by the study. It is important to monitor indicators at the process level, and this should be accompanied by a redistribution of functions in health teams. It is also important to ensure a supply of medicines to enhance the effectiveness of the strategy. It is suggested to strengthen implementation with the key drivers for the control of arterial hypertension.

Objetivo: Comparar a diferença de cobertura e proporção de pacientes com hipertensão arterial sistêmica controlada entre dezembro de 2020 e dezembro de 2021 em estabelecimentos de saúde que implementam a Iniciativa HEARTS, e explorar os facilitadores e as barreiras relacionados aos sistemas de informação no México. Métodos: Estudo observacional ecológico descritivo. Os resultados dos estabelecimentos de saúde que iniciaram a implementação da Iniciativa HEARTS (n=29) em Chiapas e Sonora foram comparados em relação às variáveis de cobertura de atenção e controle da hipertensão, em 4 períodos (semestres) de 2020 a 2021. Resultados: Há um maior número de mulheres em tratamento e controladas em relação aos homens nas diferentes faixas etárias. Foram identificadas algumas barreiras (por exemplo, multiplicidade de sistemas, falta de interoperabilidade e conexão limitada à internet nos estabelecimentos de saúde) e facilitadores (por exemplo, livre acesso à informação, disponibilidade de dados de anos anteriores e geração de estimativas e projeções) nos sistemas de informação. Conclusões: Cinquenta e cinco por cento dos estabelecimentos em implementação (16 estabelecimentos) melhoraram a proporção de pacientes controlados no período analisado. É importante monitorar os indicadores no nível de processos ­tal monitoramento deve ser acompanhado por uma redistribuição das funções das equipes de saúde. Deve-se também assegurar o fornecimento de medicamentos para aumentar a eficácia da estratégia. Sugere-se fortalecer a implementação com os principais impulsionadores para o controle da hipertensão.

Effectiveness of brief counselling in a hospital setting for smoking cessation and risky alcohol drinking reduction: randomised clinical trial protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic diseases are a public health problem, and 80% of them are related to modifiable risk factors such as unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and risky alcohol consumption. Although the intervention in smoking and hazardous alcohol drinking has proven to be effective in Primary Care, it is unknown whether it works in the same way in the hospital setting. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of brief counselling in order to modify the stage of change in smokers and at-risk drinkers treated in a high complexity hospital. METHODS: A Randomised controlled trial to be conducted, in which an evaluation is made of four brief counselling strategies for smoking cessation and risky alcohol consumption compared to usual care, selected according to the patient's stage of change. The primary result will be the proportion of patients in each of the groups (intervention and control) with identified progress in the stage of change. The reduction of consumption will be also be analysed. Protocol registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03521622). RESULTS: The results will be published in scientific journals, and its application aims to generate behavioural intervention protocols for modifiable risk factors in high complexity hospitals. The trial was presented and approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and Hospital Universitario de San Ignacio, Bogota, Colombia (Approval 01/2018).

Brief counseling for smoking cessation and alcohol use reduction concomitant with hospital procedures: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of brief counseling on patient readiness for behavioral change and cessation/reduction of tobacco and alcohol use. METHODS: This clinical trial randomized patients in blocks, stratified by risk factor. Adult smokers or at-risk drinkers undergoing surgical or diagnostic procedures were recruited. Outcome assessments and analyses were blinded. Brief counseling was compared with educational materials for the outcomes progress in stage of change and smoking/alcohol cessation/reduction. RESULTS: Overall, 222 participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group and 218 to the control group. Among them, 28 and 18 patients were lost to follow-up, respectively. Progress in change stage was 94.1% at 1 month in both groups (RR = 1.00; 95%CI 0.95-1.05) and 94.8 vs. 90.5% at 3 months (RR = 1.05; 95%CI 0.99-1.11) in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Smoking cessation and alcohol reduction rates at 3 months were 57.2 vs. 41% (RR = 1.40; 95%CI 1.14-1.71) in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Only brief counseling led to significant differences in smoking cessation (51.4 vs. 35.1%; RR = 1.46; 95%CI 1.12-1.92). CONCLUSIONS: Brief counseling and educational materials improved patient motivation for behavioral change, but brief counseling had a greater effect on smoking cessation.

Effectiveness of Brief Counseling in a Hospital Setting for Smoking Cessation and Risky Alcohol Drinking Reduction: Randomized Clinical Trial Protocol. / Efectividad de la consejería breve en el ámbito hospitalario para la cesación del tabaquismo y la disminución del consumo riesgoso de alcohol: Protocolo de un experimento clínico aleatorizado.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic diseases are a public health problem, and 80% of them are related to modifiable risk factors such as unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and risky alcohol consumption. Although the intervention in smoking and hazardous alcohol drinking has proven to be effective in Primary Care, it is unknown whether it works in the same way in the hospital setting. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of brief counselling in order to modify the stage of change in smokers and at-risk drinkers treated in a high complexity hospital. METHODS: A Randomised controlled trial to be conducted, in which an evaluation is made of four brief counselling strategies for smoking cessation and risky alcohol consumption compared to usual care, selected according to the patient's stage of change. The primary result will be the proportion of patients in each of the groups (intervention and control) with identified progress in the stage of change. The reduction of consumption will be also be analysed. Protocol registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03521622). RESULTS: The results will be published in scientific journals, and its application aims to generate behavioural intervention protocols for modifiable risk factors in high complexity hospitals. The trial was presented and approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and Hospital Universitario de San Ignacio, Bogota, Colombia (Approval 01/2018).

Screening tests for distal symmetrical polyneuropathy in Latin American patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: This cross sectional study intended to evaluate two bedside tests (Neuropad and VibraTip) as screening tools for distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (DSPN) in Latin American patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Ninety-three Colombian patients diagnosed with T2D were recruited. Anthropometric variables, glycemic control parameters, lipid profile and renal function were assessed for each patient. DSPN was defined by a Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) clinical score greater than 2. Both Neuropad and Vibratip tests were applied to each patient. Contingency analyses were performed to evaluate the diagnostic power of both tools. RESULTS: The prevalence of DSPN determined clinically by MNSI was 25.8%. DSPN in these patients was associated with age, worsening renal function, and insulin treatment. The sensitivity and specificity of the Neuropad test for DSPN was 66.6% and 63% respectively. Its negative predictive value (NPV) was 84.6%. The VibraTip test exhibited a sensitivity of 54.1% and specificity of 91.3%, with a NPV of 85.1%. CONCLUSION: Neuropad and VibraTip are reliable screening tools for DSPN in Latin American population. VibraTip presents a considerable diagnostic power for DSPN in this population. Further studies regarding the cost-effectiveness of these tools in clinical practice are needed.

Brief counseling for smoking cessation and alcohol use reduction concomitant with hospital procedures: a randomized clinical trial

Objective: To evaluate the effect of brief counseling on patient readiness for behavioral change and cessation/reduction of tobacco and alcohol use. Methods: This clinical trial randomized patients in blocks, stratified by risk factor. Adult smokers or at-risk drinkers undergoing surgical or diagnostic procedures were recruited. Outcome assessments and analyses were blinded. Brief counseling was compared with educational materials for the outcomes progress in stage of change and smoking/alcohol cessation/reduction. Results: Overall, 222 participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group and 218 to the control group. Among them, 28 and 18 patients were lost to follow-up, respectively. Progress in change stage was 94.1% at 1 month in both groups (RR = 1.00; 95%CI 0.95-1.05) and 94.8 vs. 90.5% at 3 months (RR = 1.05; 95%CI 0.99-1.11) in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Smoking cessation and alcohol reduction rates at 3 months were 57.2 vs. 41% (RR = 1.40; 95%CI 1.14-1.71) in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Only brief counseling led to significant differences in smoking cessation (51.4 vs. 35.1%; RR = 1.46; 95%CI 1.12-1.92). Conclusions: Brief counseling and educational materials improved patient motivation for behavioral change, but brief counseling had a greater effect on smoking cessation. Clinical trial registration: NCT03521622

Sociodemographic, family and clinical characteristics associated with smoking cessation intention among smokers treated in a quaternary care hospital / Características sociodemográficas, familiares y clínicas asociadas con la intención de cesación del tabaquismo en fumadores atendidos en un hospital de cuarto nivel

Abstract Introduction: Smoking cessation interventions are a priority in medical care settings, including hospitals. Objectives: To describe the sociodemographic, family, and clinical characteristics of smokers treated in a quaternary care hospital and to establish the variables associated with smoking cessation intention in order to optimize the management of this risk factor in the hospital setting. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 321 active smokers treated between April 2018 and November 2019 in Bogotá D.C., Colombia. Smoking prevalence was calculated, and participants' sociodemographic, family, and clinical information was obtained and subsequently analyzed using descriptive statistics. Associations between said variables and cessation intention were established by means of bivariate (chi-squared test) and multivariate analyses (ordinal logistic regression model with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals). Results: Smoking prevalence was 8.89% (95%CI: 7.97-9.82), (N=3609; n=321 active smokers). Most participants were men (66.67%), had a low or middle socioeconomic status (96.89%) and a basic educational level (52.34%), and 42.06% were between 46 and 64 years old. The majority of active smokers had a mild degree of smoking consumption and low level of nicotine dependence (78.82% and 81.62%, respectively). Furthermore, 78.82% reported previous attempts to quit smoking. Nuclear family was the predominant family type (58.57%), and 40.19% of smokers experienced some degree of family dysfunction. Smokers with more perceived benefits derived from smoking cessation and high self-efficacy are more likely to make a smoking cessation attempt (OR=9.44, 95%CI:1.27-85.03 and OR=3.73, 95%CI:1.55-8.78, respectively). Conclusions: The identification and characterization of smokers in the hospital setting provides useful insights to personalize smoking cessation interventions.

Resumen Introducción. Las intervenciones dirigidas a la cesación del tabaquismo son una prioridad en los escenarios de atención médica, incluido el hospitalario. Objetivos. Describir las características sociodemográficas, familiares y clínicas de fumadores atendidos en un hospital de cuarto nivel y establecer las variables asociadas con la intención de cesación del tabaquismo con el fin de optimizar el manejo de este factor de riesgo en el entorno hospitalario. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal realizado en 321 fumadores activos atendidos entre abril de 2018 y noviembre de 2019 en Bogotá D.C., Colombia. Se calculó la prevalencia de tabaquismo y se obtuvo información sociodemográfica, familiar y clínica, la cual fue analizada mediante estadística descriptiva. Se establecieron asociaciones entre dichas variables y la intención de cesación mediante un análisis bivariado (prueba X2) y uno multivariado (modelo de regresión logística ordinal con sus correspondientes intervalos de confianza al 95%). Resultados. La prevalencia de tabaquismo activo fue de 8.89% (IC95%: 7.97-9.82), (N=3 609; n=321 fumadores activos). La mayoría fueron hombres (66.67%), de estrato socioeconómico bajo o medio (96.89%), con nivel educativo básico (52.34%) y el 42.06% estaban entre los 46 y 64 años. La mayoría de los fumadores activos tenían un grado leve de tabaquismo y un bajo nivel de dependencia a la nicotina (78.82% y 81.62%, respectivamente); además, el 78.82% reportó intentos previos de cesación. El tipo de familia predominante fue la nuclear (58.57%) y 40.19% de los fumadores experimentaban algún grado de disfuncionalidad familiar. Los fumadores con mayor percepción de beneficios derivados de dejar de fumar y con alta autoeficacia tienen una mayor probabilidad de realizar un intento de cesación de tabaquismo (OR=9.44; IC95%: 1.27-85.03 and OR=3.73; 95%CI: 1.55-8.78, respectivamente). Conclusiones. La identificación y caracterización de fumadores en el entorno hospitalario brinda claves para personalizar las intervenciones de cesación del tabaquismo.

Efectividad de la consejería breve en el ámbito hospitalario para la cesación del tabaquismo y la disminución del consumo riesgoso de alcohol: Protocolo de un experimento clínico aleatorizado / Effectiveness of Brief Counseling in a Hospital Setting for Smoking Cessation and Risky Alcohol Drinking Reduction: Randomized Clinical Trial Protocol

Resumen Introducción: Las enfermedades crónicas son un problema de salud pública; el 80% de ellas se relacionan con factores de riesgo modificables, como una dieta poco saludable, la inactividad física, el tabaquismo y el consumo riesgoso de alcohol. La intervención en el tabaquismo y el consumo riesgoso de alcohol se ha demostrado efectiva en el cuidado primario, pero se desconoce si funciona de la misma manera en el contexto hospitalario. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de la consejería breve para modificar el estadio de cambio en pacientes fumadores y bebedores en riesgo atendidos en un hospital de alta complejidad. Métodos: Experimento clínico aleatorizado, que evalúa la efectividad de 4 modalidades de consejería breve para la cesación de tabaquismo y el consumo riesgoso de alcohol en comparación con el cuidado habitual, seleccionadas según el estadio de cambio del sujeto. El resultado primario es la proporción de pacientes en cada uno de los grupos (intervención y control) en los cuales se identifica el avance en el estadio de cambio; además se analizará la reducción de consumos. Protocolo registrado en ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03521622). Resultados: Los resultados se publicarán en revistas de literatura científica y su aplicación pretende generar protocolos de intervenciones conductuales en factores de riesgo modificables en hospitales de alta complejidad. El experimento fue presentado y aprobado por el Comité de Ética e Investigación de la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana y el Hospital Universitario de San Ignacio (aprobación 01/2018).

Abstrac Introduction: Chronic diseases are a public health problem, and 80% of them are related to modifiable risk factors such as unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and risky alcohol consumption. Although the intervention in smoking and hazardous alcohol drinking has proven to be effective in Primary Care, it is unknown whether it works in the same way in the hospital setting. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of brief counselling in order to modify the stage of change in smokers and at-risk drinkers treated in a high complexity hospital. Methods: A Randomized controlled trial to be conducted, in which an evaluation is made of four brief counselling strategies for smoking cessation and risky alcohol consumption compared to usual care, selected according to the patient's stage of change. The primary result will be the proportion of patients in each of the groups (intervention and control) with identified progress in the stage of change. The reduction of consumption will be also be analyzed. Protocol registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03521622). Results: The results will be published in scientific journals, and its application aims to generate behavioral intervention protocols for modifiable risk factors in high complexity hospitals. The trial was presented and approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and Hospital Universitario de San Ignacio, Bogota, Colombia (Approval 01/2018).

Resultados preliminares de la Iniciativa HEARTS en México: facilitadores y barreras de los sistemas de información / Preliminary results of the HEARTS Initiative in Mexico: facilitators and barriers in information systems / Resultados preliminares da Iniciativa HEARTS no México: facilitadores e barreiras dos sistemas de informação

RESUMEN Objetivo. Comparar la diferencia en la cobertura y proporción de pacientes controlados con hipertensión arterial sistémica entre diciembre de 2020 y diciembre de 2021 en los establecimientos de salud con implementación de la Iniciativa HEARTS, y explorar los facilitadores y las barreras relacionados con los sistemas de información en México. Métodos. Estudio observacional ecológico descriptivo. Se compararon los resultados de los establecimientos de salud que han iniciado la implementación de la Iniciativa HEARTS (n=29) en Chiapas y Sonora, respecto a las variables de cobertura de atención y control de la hipertensión, en 4 periodos (semestres) del 2020 al 2021. Resultados. Existe mayor número de mujeres en tratamiento y en control respecto de los hombres en los diferentes grupos de edad. Se identificaron algunas barreras (p. ej.multiplicidad de sistemas, falta de interoperabilidad, conectividad limitada a internet en los establecimientos de salud) y facilitadores (p. ej.acceso libre a la información, disponibilidad de datos desde años previos, generación de estimaciones y proyecciones) en los sistemas de información. Conclusiones. El 55% de los establecimientos bajo implementación (16 establecimientos) mejoraron la proporción de pacientes controlados en el periodo analizado. Es importante monitorear indicadores a nivel de procesos, lo cual debe ir acompañado de una redistribución de las funciones de los equipos de salud y asegurar el abastecimiento de medicamentos para potenciar la efectividad de la estrategia. Se sugiere fortalecer la implementación con los impulsores clave para el control de la hipertensión.

ABSTRACT Objective. To compare the differences in treatment coverage of patients with systemic arterial hypertension and the proportion of patients with controlled AHT, between December 2020 and December 2021 in health facilities that implemented the HEARTS Initiative, and to explore the facilitators and barriers related to information systems in Mexico. Methods. Descriptive ecological observational study. The results at health facilities that have begun implementing the HEARTS Initiative (n=29) in Chiapas and Sonora were compared, with respect to the variables of treatment coverage and control of AHT, across four periods (semesters) in 2020 and 2021. Results. There were more women than men in treatment and with controlled AHT in the different age groups. Some barriers were identified in information systems (e.g., multiplicity of systems, lack of interoperability, limited internet connectivity in health facilities), as well as facilitators (e.g., free access to information, availability of data from previous years, generation of estimates and projections). Conclusions. Sixteen (55%) of the implementing facilities improved the proportion of patients with controlled AHT in the period covered by the study. It is important to monitor indicators at the process level, and this should be accompanied by a redistribution of functions in health teams. It is also important to ensure a supply of medicines to enhance the effectiveness of the strategy. It is suggested to strengthen implementation with the key drivers for the control of arterial hypertension.

RESUMO Objetivo. Comparar a diferença de cobertura e proporção de pacientes com hipertensão arterial sistêmica controlada entre dezembro de 2020 e dezembro de 2021 em estabelecimentos de saúde que implementam a Iniciativa HEARTS, e explorar os facilitadores e as barreiras relacionados aos sistemas de informação no México. Métodos. Estudo observacional ecológico descritivo. Os resultados dos estabelecimentos de saúde que iniciaram a implementação da Iniciativa HEARTS (n=29) em Chiapas e Sonora foram comparados em relação às variáveis de cobertura de atenção e controle da hipertensão, em 4 períodos (semestres) de 2020 a 2021. Resultados. Há um maior número de mulheres em tratamento e controladas em relação aos homens nas diferentes faixas etárias. Foram identificadas algumas barreiras (por exemplo, multiplicidade de sistemas, falta de interoperabilidade e conexão limitada à internet nos estabelecimentos de saúde) e facilitadores (por exemplo, livre acesso à informação, disponibilidade de dados de anos anteriores e geração de estimativas e projeções) nos sistemas de informação. Conclusões. Cinquenta e cinco por cento dos estabelecimentos em implementação (16 estabelecimentos) melhoraram a proporção de pacientes controlados no período analisado. É importante monitorar os indicadores no nível de processos -tal monitoramento deve ser acompanhado por uma redistribuição das funções das equipes de saúde. Deve-se também assegurar o fornecimento de medicamentos para aumentar a eficácia da estratégia. Sugere-se fortalecer a implementação com os principais impulsionadores para o controle da hipertensão.

Soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 is associated with diminished estimated glomerular filtration rate in colombian patients with type 2 diabetes.

AIMS: The tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) family of inflammatory molecules plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) complications. TNF-α soluble receptors 1 (sTNFR1) and 2 (sTNFR2) have been associated with chronic kidney disease in DM2 patients. This cross-sectional study intended to determine serum concentrations of sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 in Colombian patients and correlated them with various clinical variables, especially kidney function. METHODS: 92 Colombian patients with DM2 were recruited. Anthropometric variables, glycemic control parameters, lipid profile and renal function were assessed for each patient. Levels of sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 were determined using ELISA. Patients were stratified in two groups according to reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (<60ml/min/1.73m(2)) and normal eGFR (≥60ml/min/1.73m(2)). RESULTS: Significantly elevated levels of sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 were observed in the diminished versus normal eGFR group. Also, significant differences were noticed between both groups in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values, percentage of hypertensive subjects treated with angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) and subjects treated with metformin. No differences were observed regarding body mass index (BMI), albuminuria and lipid profile. Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that sTNFR1 alone showed a significant association with low eGFR (p=0.009). However, after adjusting for age, the association weakens. Moreover, sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 showed a linear negative correlation with eGFR (r=-0.448, p<0.001 and r=-0.376, p<0.001, respectively). A positive correlation was also seen between sTNFR1 and HbA1c, whereas a negative correlation between both sTNFRs and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was found. CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of sTNFRs, especially sTNFR1, are associated with loss of kidney function in Hispanic patients with DM2. Future studies should focus on social and genetic determinants of inflammation and their association with CKD in this ethnicity.

Characteristics of patients with type 2 diabetes in México: Results from a large population-based nationwide survey.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics of the diabetic population that formed part of a population-based survey conducted in México. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In 2000, information was obtained from 42,886 subjects aged > or =20 years using a multistage sampling procedure. Standardized questionnaires were used. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and capillary glucose concentrations were taken. RESULTS: Type 2 diabetes was found in 3,597 subjects (age-adjusted prevalence 8.18%), of which 2,878 (80%) had previously been diagnosed. The average age of the diabetic participants was 55.2 +/- 13.5 years; 13% were <40 years of age. Nine percent had been diagnosed for >10 years. The average BMI was 29.2 +/- 5.7 kg/m(2); three-quarters of the cases had BMI >25 kg/m(2). The average waist circumference was 102 +/- 13.4 cm, and increased waist circumference was more common among women. Arterial hypertension was found in half of the cases and, of those on treatment, only one-third had a blood pressure <140/90 mmHg. Smoking was reported in 34% of the diabetic group, a higher rate than in the nondiabetic subjects. There was at least one modifiable coronary risk factor in 67.6% of the cases. Very few followed an exercise or dietary regimen and a small percentage used insulin. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes affects a large proportion of Mexican adults (8.18%). This figure may be underestimated. The majority of the subjects had modifiable risk factors for the chronic complications of diabetes. Only a few achieved adequate blood pressure control and other treatment goals.

Screening tests for distal symmetrical polyneuropathy in Latin American patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT Objective This cross sectional study intended to evaluate two bedside tests (Neuropad and VibraTip) as screening tools for distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (DSPN) in Latin American patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Subjects and methods Ninety-three Colombian patients diagnosed with T2D were recruited. Anthropometric variables, glycemic control parameters, lipid profile and renal function were assessed for each patient. DSPN was defined by a Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) clinical score greater than 2. Both Neuropad and Vibratip tests were applied to each patient. Contingency analyses were performed to evaluate the diagnostic power of both tools. Results The prevalence of DSPN determined clinically by MNSI was 25.8%. DSPN in these patients was associated with age, worsening renal function, and insulin treatment. The sensitivity and specificity of the Neuropad test for DSPN was 66.6% and 63% respectively. Its negative predictive value (NPV) was 84.6%. The VibraTip test exhibited a sensitivity of 54.1% and specificity of 91.3%, with a NPV of 85.1%. Conclusion Neuropad and VibraTip are reliable screening tools for DSPN in Latin American population. VibraTip presents a considerable diagnostic power for DSPN in this population. Further studies regarding the cost-effectiveness of these tools in clinical practice are needed.