Diabetic Neuropathy

Abstract

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycaemia. The prevalence of diabetes is increasing in epidemic proportions worldwide. Diabetic neuropathy is a common clinical complication of Diabetes mellitus, as almost all of diabetic patients will have some form of nerve damage. Majority are asymptomatic, while others show symptoms (depending on the nerve(s) affected) ranging from paraesthesia, numbness to major and fatal neuropathies. Autonomic neuropathies can be prevented by adequate glycaemic control in diabetics. They can be properly managed and their progression considerably slowed down. The type of management instituted will depend on the form of neuropathy.