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Pathological Definition and Evaluation of Diabetic Neuropathy and Clinical Correlations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2015

Anders A. F. Sima
Anders A. F. Sima*
Affiliation:
Departments of Pathology and Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
*
University of Michigan Medical Center, 1331 E. Ann Street, Box 0580, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA 48109
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Abstract:

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Diabetic neuropathy is a major complication of diabetes mellitus affecting to an equal extent type 1 and type 2 patients. Various mechanisms including metabolic and vascular abnormalities have been proposed to explain the progressive pathological changes that occur in peripheral nerve. Regardless of the precise mechanisms, structural abnormalities lead to functional changes which eventually result in the clinical manifestations of diabetic neuropathy. Possible interventions that may influence the progressive disease process include intensive insulin therapy and aldose reductase inhibitors. This article reviews the proposed pathogenetic mechanisms underlying diabetic neuropathy, their effects on nerve histomorphometric changes and ultrastructure typical of diabetic neuropathy, and potential therapeutic interventions and their impact on disease progression.

Type
Research Article
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 21 , Issue S4 , November 1994 , pp. S13 - S17
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation 1994

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