Diabetic Neuropathy

Electrodiagnostic Features Standard nerve conduction studies (NCS) allow the physician to directly measure large fiber motor and sensory nerve function. These fibers are involved in position and vibration sensation, deep tendon reflex function, and muscle strength. Small diameter fibers, which convey pain and temperature sensation and autonomic function, are not routinely studied.

Defining a precise cause for diabetic neuropathy has proven difficult. Numerous theories have been offered individually but the overall mechanism may ultimately be multifactorial and complex. A review of these hypotheses is valuable in trying to understand the pathophysiology and different treatment approaches attempted in diabetic neuropathy. Metabolic Hypothesis: Hyperglycemia is associated with the development

Numerous classifications have been proposed for the various neuropathies which occur in DM, some based on clinical subtype, and others based on pathophysiological mechanisms or both. Recognizing the clinical patterns and the suspected etiopathogenesis allows for more precise prognostication. For example, a distal symmetric sensorimotor polyneuropathy, which is the most common diabetic neuropathy subtype, is

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is estimated to affect approximately 20 million Americans (90% with type 2 and 10% with type 1 DM) and is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy in the United States. There is evidence to suggest that the incidence of neuropathy increases with the duration and severity of disease, and that strict