[Diabetic neuropathy: epidemiologic and predictive data]

Neuropathy is a classical complication of diabetes mellitus, to the same extent as micro- and macroangiopathy. Diabetic neuropathy can be schematically divided into peripheral neuropathy, especially in the lower limbs (distal polyneuropathy), and autonomic neuropathy, present in all systems (cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, urogenital and even pulmonary abnormalities). Detection should be based on an oriented anamnesis and a careful physical examination. Complementary exams may be performed in order to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the neuropathy. While the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy is essentially based on clinical examination, that of autonomic neuropathy has been markedly facilitated by simple standardised tests for early detection of cardiac autonomic neuropathy. Depending on the terminology, the diagnostic criteria and the characteristics of the population, the prevalence of diabetic neuropathy can range from 15 to 100%. However, all studies agree that prevalence is important in both types of diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2), that it increases with age and disease duration, and that it is inversely related to the quality of glycaemic control. Detection of neuropathy is an essential step in the clinical approach to diabetic patients, mainly because of the prognosis linked to such a diagnosis, at both an early and late stage of the disease. Once neuropathy is diagnosed, the physician should provide specific advice to diabetic patients in order to prevent possible dramatic complications.