Diabetic neuropathies: unanswered questions

Diabetic neuropathies are the most common types of neuropathies worldwide. Although there has been significant progress in the understanding of the clinical aspects of these conditions, many questions remain unanswered or difficult to answer in terms of causation, risk factors and genetic susceptibility, effective treatments and restoration of nerve functions, and pain management. The major handicap in studying diabetic neuropathies is the lack of a suitable animal model that addresses acute and chronic events leasing to diabetic neuropathy. Unfortunately and despite numerous drug trials, other than strict glycemic control, which is often difficult to maintain, there are no other treatments to slow the progression or delay the development of diabetic neuropathy. This article attempts to highlight a few unanswered or controversial questions regarding diabetic neuropathies.