Distal diabetic neuropathy: review of evidence-based recommendations

Abstract

Distal diabetic neuropathy is the leading neurological complicationof type 2 diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy is heterogeneousin its clinical entity and the pattern of peripheral neural systemdamage. In most cases the diagnosis is based on the typical neurologicalsymptoms, the results of neurological examination andneurophysiological testing, where available. Medical treatmentof pain in distal diabetic neuropathy includes symptomatic andpathogenetic medications. Effective control of diabetes is crucialfor reduction of risk of neuropathy progression and is a predictivefactor of effective symptomatic and pathogenetic treatment. Theprimary choice of medication is based on patients characteristics,diabetes control, pain severity, concomitant diseases andcommercial availability of medications.

Keywords

• diabetes mellitus
• diabetic polyneuropathy
• neuropathic pain