Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy in a Diabetic Patient After Rapid Overcorrection of Chronic Hyperglycemia

The differential diagnosis for peripheral neuropathy of uncertain etiology is extensive, and the work-up presents a diagnostic challenge for the physician. Following initial clinical assessment, we recommend electrodiagnostic studies as the test of choice in the evaluation of peripheral neuropathy of unclear cause. Subsequent laboratory testing can then be better specified according to the results of the electrodiagnostic studies and clinical assessment. This case report presents a 66-year-old female with a history of uncontrolled type-II diabetes who developed prominent sensorimotor neuropathy after experiencing several hypoglycemic episodes. Due to difficulties with insulin titration, over the course of 4 weeks, the patient quickly and drastically lowered her chronically elevated average serum glucose concentration to the point of suffering multiple periods of hypoglycemia. Soon after, she developed paresthesia in her hands and feet, as well as significant weakness in both upper and lower extremities. Unfortunately, the patient was lost to follow-up before a definitive diagnosis could be established. Hypoglycemia and rapid correction of long-standing hyperglycemia are relatively under-recognized sources of neuropathy in diabetic patients. Physicians taking care of diabetic patients who develop peripheral neuropathy following rapidly improved glycemic control or hypoglycemia should be aware of the possibility of a diabetic neuropathy and begin prompt work-up to exclude other causes before making the diagnosis of treatment-induced diabetic neuropathy or hypoglycemic neuropathy.