Diabetic Neuropathy

• What is diabetic neuropathy?

  Nerve damage due to metabolic derangements
• What percentage of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have neuropathy?

  40 to 50%
• Does diabetic neuropathy occur equally in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?

  Yes, it occurs equally in both types
• What is the most common type of neuropathy in diabetes?

  Peripheral sensory neuropathy
• What can peripheral sensory neuropathy lead to in the lower extremities?

  Loss of protective sensation
• How does peripheral sensory neuropathy affect the risk of complications?

  It significantly increases the risk of amputation
• What are the symptoms of sensory neuropathy in diabetes?

  • Affects hands, feet, or both bilaterally
  • Paresthesias and abnormal sensations
  • Pain and loss of sensation
  • Atrophy of small muscles in hands and feet
  • Deformity and limited fine movement
• What is hypoglycemia unawareness in autonomic neuropathy?

  Inability to recognize low blood sugar symptoms
• What gastrointestinal issues can autonomic neuropathy cause?

  Bowel incontinence and diarrhea
• What urinary issue is associated with autonomic neuropathy?

  Urinary retention
• What is gastroparesis in the context of diabetic neuropathy?

  Delayed gastric emptying due to nerve damage
• What cardiovascular issues can arise from autonomic neuropathy?

  • Postural hypotension
  • Resting tachycardia
  • Silent or painless myocardial infarction