Diabetic neuropathic cachexia in a young female

Abstract

A 42-year-old lady, a known diabetic presented with generalized body ache, severe burning sensation over her lower limbs, loss of weight (approximately 8 kg), loss of appetite, nausea, frequent vomiting, and altered bowel habits without history of fever or pain abdomen. Symmetrical wasting was noted in all limbs with bilateral proximal muscle weakness, particularly of lower limbs. Ankle jerks were absent with symmetrically decreased reflexes. nerve conduction velocity (NCV) revealed symmetrical distal axonal and demyelinating type of sensorimotor polyneuropathy. Hematological and gastrointestinal (GI) malignancy were excluded. Patient responded to antidepressants.

Keywords

• Cachexia
• diabetes
• diabetic neuropathic cachexia
• neuropathy