The importance of diabetic neuropathy derives from its remarkable frequency and its clinical impact. In view of the varying underlying pathogenetic mechanisms and the resulting diversity of clinical representations, it becomes apparent that there are diabetic neuropathies, rather than a single entity of diabetic neuropathy. The scope of involvement is widespread with virtually every system at risk. Although peripheral neuropathy is by far the most common expression, visceral neuropathy is also highly significant. It may affect every part of the gastrointestinal tract, the genitourinary tract, and sexual function, as well as direct autonomic nerve pathology. Clearly, neuropathy in diabetes offers a specific and important diagnostic challenge to the clinician and plays a definitive role in differential diagnosis. The problem is heightened by the fact that any and all of the diabetic neuropathic syndromes may be the initial clinical manifestation of diabetes in the absence of covert manifestations of carbohydrate metabolic disorder. It is to be stressed that the diagnosis is more than an academic exercise, since each diabetic neuropathic syndrome carries with it some beneficial therapeutic modality to aid the patient.

Arm↗

PubMed1976

[Diabetic neuropathy].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Cachexia↗

PubMed1976

The evolving picture of diabetes.

The clinical picture of diabetes has changed dramatically in recent years. The early promise of insulin has remained unfulfilled. Its beneficial effects have permitted the development of severe complications in a dramatically increased number of diabetics. Present research is encouraging, but the disease obviously requires a determined, aggressive, and concerted attack, so that we may fully understand the nature of the diabetic syndrome, as well as its treatment, cure, and prevention.

Animals↗

PubMed1974