Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered a major public health problem because of its high prevalence and progressive increase of incidence. DM chronic complications are major causes of morbidity and mortality, among which diabetic neuropathy (DN) stands out, affecting 30% - 50% of DM patients. An appropriate medical approach, involving anamnesis and thorough clinical examination, is extremely important for the early diagnosis of DN and, therefore, to the prevention of its complications, including the amputation of limbs. Despite of the importance of DN prevention and treatment, in order to provide improved quality of life and longevity to DM patients, current therapeutic options are very limited with respect to both symptom control and as effective disease therapies. Intensive glucose control is extremely important in order to prevent and avoid the progression of DN, as demonstrated in two large multicenter studies involving patients with type 1 DM, the DCCT (Diabetes Control and Complications Trial) and the EDIC (Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications).