CNS manifestations of diabetes mellitus

The neurologic manifestations most frequently described in association with diabetes are caused by involvement of the peripheral nerves and nerve roots. Whether there is also a specific central nervous system involvement has not been well documented. Pseudotabes diabetica and diabetic amyotrophy probably can be explained on the basis of severe neuropathy or radiculopathy. According to fairly recent studies, however, both myelopathy and encephalopathy may be part of the diabetic process. In the cases of myelopathy, there are degeneration of the long tracts and areas of demyelination with gliosis, as well as microinfarcts. In the cases of encephalopathy, there are degeneration of ganglion cells and nerve fibers in the cerebrum, brain stem, and cerebellum; cell loss, demyelination and gliosis; and infarction secondary to severe angiopathy.