Neurol. praxi. 2018;19(3):161-171 | DOI: 10.36290/neu.2018.003

Diabetic polyneuropathy

MUDr. Gabriel Hajaš, PhD.

Neurogická klinika FSVaZ UKF a FN Nitra

Diabetes causes a broad sprectrum of neuropathic complications, including acute and chronic forms affecting each level of theperipheral nerve, from the root to the distal axon. Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is currently considered a heterogeneous disease withdifferent pathogenetic mechanisms in different clinical syndromes. The most common form is distal symmetric polyneuropathy(DSPN), which often goes insidious and unnoticed and its most serious complication is diabetic foot. In addition to knownrisk factors such as diabetes duration or long-term metabolic control, new factors such as cardiovascular factors (hypertension,hyperlipidemia, obesity), age, smoking, and recurrent episodes of ketoacidosis have recently been identified. In preventing thedevelopment of neuropathy, metabolic control, lifestyle modification and exercise are very important. Among the pathogeneticdrugs, alphalipoic acid has a dominant position. Neuropathic pain treatment is particularly needed to improve the overall patient´s quality of life. Early diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy is crucial for early medical intervention.

Keywords: diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, polyneuropathy, diagnosis, risk factors, treatment

Received: January 7, 2018; Accepted: January 7, 2018; Published: July 1, 2018  Show citation