Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
05:06
Effects of Mindfulness Training Combined with Tai Chi in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Published on: July 14, 2023
Common and less common peripheral nerve disorders associated with diabetes
Michael Knopp1, Yusuf A Rajabally
1Neuromuscular Clinic, Department of Neurology, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
Current Diabetes Reviews
|January 31, 2012
Summary
Diabetic peripheral nerve disorders encompass various conditions, from common sensory-motor neuropathy to rarer forms like lumbosacral radiculoplexus neuropathy (LSRPN) and autonomic neuropathies. Management of these diverse diabetic nerve complications can be challenging.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Diabetology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is frequently associated with a spectrum of peripheral nerve disorders.
- These neuropathies significantly impact patient quality of life and can present with diverse clinical manifestations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of the various peripheral nerve disorders associated with diabetes.
- To highlight the clinical features, diagnostic approaches, and management challenges of diabetic neuropathies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on diabetic peripheral neuropathies.
- Synthesis of information on common and rare neuropathic conditions in diabetic patients.
Main Results:
- Commonest is distal symmetrical sensorimotor neuropathy; others include LSRPN, acute painful neuropathies, CIDP, painless motor neuropathy, focal neuropathies, and autonomic neuropathies.
- Clinical presentations range from sensory loss and pain to motor weakness and autonomic dysfunction.
- Diagnostic methods involve electrophysiology and cerebrospinal fluid analysis; management varies based on neuropathy type.
Conclusions:
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathies are diverse, requiring tailored diagnostic and management strategies.
- Early recognition and appropriate treatment are crucial for mitigating debilitating symptoms and improving patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Diabetic 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...
01:22Complications of Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia due to insulin deficiency, resistance, or both. Prolonged hyperglycemia disrupts metabolic homeostasis and leads to acute and chronic complications.Acute ComplicationsAcute complications result from sudden metabolic imbalance.Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) mainly appears in type 1 diabetes but may also develop in type 2 diabetes, particularly under extreme stress. It arises from severe insulin deficiency,...
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
01:19Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations
Type 1 diabetes mellitus typically presents with rapid-onset symptoms due to the body’s inability to utilize glucose in the absence of insulin. Since insulin is required for glucose uptake into cells, its deficiency leads to hyperglycemia and cellular energy deprivation, resulting in characteristic clinical features.Polyuria and PolydipsiaOne of the earliest, most prominent symptoms is polyuria (excessive urination). When blood glucose concentrations rise above the renal threshold, the kidneys...
01:31Diabetic 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,...