What is diabetic neuropathy?

    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Diabetic neuropathies are a group of conditions that damages the nervous system of people with diabetes mellitus. They include distal symmetric polyneuropathy, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, diabetic autonomic neuropathy, cardiac autonomic neuropathy, and gastrointestinal neuropathies. These neuropathies can damage nerves and impair normal function in several organ systems, including the musculoskeletal system (especially the lower limbs and feet), the cardiovascular system, the gastrointestinal system, and the urogenital system (kidneys, bladder, and genitals). Distal symmetric polyneuropathy is the most common form of diabetic neuropathy, affecting the lower limbs and feet.[1][2] Consequently, diabetic neuropathies reduce a person’s quality of life.

    References

    1. ^, Draznin B, Aroda VR, Bakris G, Benson G, Brown FM, Freeman R, Green J, Huang E, Isaacs D, Kahan S, Leon J, Lyons SK, Peters AL, Prahalad P, Reusch JEB, Young-Hyman D12. Retinopathy, Neuropathy, and Foot Care: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2022.Diabetes Care.(2022-01-01)
    2. ^Pop-Busui R, Boulton AJ, Feldman EL, Bril V, Freeman R, Malik RA, Sosenko JM, Ziegler DDiabetic Neuropathy: A Position Statement by the American Diabetes Association.Diabetes Care.(2017-01)