Diabetic Ulnar Compression Neuropathy

Ulnar compression neuropathy is the second most frequent entrapment neuropathy of the upper extremity and is observed with increased prevalence among diabetes mellitus patients. The metabolic burden of diabetes mellitus, including chronic hyperglycaemia, microvascular dysfunction, and systemic inflammation, promotes nerve susceptibility to mechanical compression. This review summarises current evidence on the association between diabetes mellitus and ulnar compression neuropathy, highlighting epidemiological data, metabolic contributors, clinical manifestations, diagnostic tools, and management strategies. Diagnostic evaluation in diabetes mellitus patients may be challenging due to coexisting polyneuropathy, necessitating a multimodal and individualized approach. Management strategies include both conservative measures and surgical decompression, with early intervention being critical to prevent permanent deficits. Clinicians should maintain high suspicion of ulnar compression neuropathy in diabetes mellitus patients to ensure timely diagnosis and improve functional outcomes in this high-risk population.