Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

05:06
Effects of Mindfulness Training Combined with Tai Chi in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Published on: July 14, 2023
[Pathophysiology and treatment for diabetic neuropathy]
1Facuty of Nursing, Shiga University of Medical Science.
Rinsho Shinkeigaku = Clinical Neurology
|May 26, 2009
Summary
Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a common complication. Effective management requires strict glycemic control, lifestyle changes, and excluding other neuropathies, with limited drug options currently available.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Diabetology
Context:
- Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is the most prevalent peripheral neuropathy.
- Its complex pathophysiology hinders established classification and treatment strategies.
- Sensory/autonomic polyneuropathy (DP) represents the primary form of DN.
Purpose:
- To review the current understanding and management of diabetic neuropathy.
- To highlight the challenges in diagnosing and treating DN, especially differentiating it from other neuropathies.
- To discuss preventive measures, existing treatments, and future therapeutic directions.
Summary:
- DN management necessitates ruling out other conditions like CIDP and maintaining strict glycemic control (HbA1c < 6.5%).
- Lifestyle modifications, including restricting alcohol/smoking and managing blood pressure, are crucial for retarding DN progression.
- Aldose reductase inhibitors are the sole approved drug, requiring evaluation via nerve function tests and symptom assessment.
Impact:
- Emphasizes the need for comprehensive diagnostic approaches to DN.
- Underscores the importance of integrated management involving glycemic control and lifestyle adjustments.
- Highlights the demand for novel therapeutic agents targeting DN's underlying mechanisms, including gene-based therapies.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetic Neuropathy
DefinitionDiabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by long-standing diabetes mellitus. It results directly from prolonged high blood sugar levels.PathophysiologyThe pathophysiology of diabetic neuropathy involves both metabolic and vascular disturbances triggered by chronic hyperglycemia.Metabolic injury: Elevated glucose levels activate the polyol pathway within nerve cells, leading to the accumulation of sorbitol and fructose. This increases oxidative stress, disrupts normal nerve...
Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Definition A diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a chronic, non-healing wound that develops in individuals with diabetes. It typically occurs on pressure-bearing areas such as the heel, metatarsal heads, or hallux, and carries a high risk of infection and amputation.Pathophysiology • The development of DFUs can be explained by four interconnected mechanisms: neuropathy, ischemia, infection, and impaired wound healing. • Neuropathy is the most common factor. Sensory neuropathy reduces pain perception,...
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
The therapy for diabetes aims to alleviate hyperglycemia-related symptoms, prevent acute metabolic decompensation, and reduce chronic end-organ complications. Glycemic control is evaluated through short-term (self-monitoring, continuous glucose monitoring) and long-term (A1c, fructosamine) metrics, enabling near real-time tracking of blood glucose levels and reflecting glycemic control over specific time frames.
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Diabetic Retinopathy
DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...
Diabetic Nephropathy
Definition Diabetic nephropathy is a chronic kidney complication that results from prolonged hyperglycemia.Prevalence It is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide, affecting up to half of individuals with diabetes.Pathophysiology • Sustained hyperglycemia triggers multiple hemodynamic and metabolic changes in the kidney. • Early in the disease, increased renal blood flow and glomerular hyperfiltration occur due to afferent arteriolar...
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.