What is diabetic neuropathy?

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.