Journal of Diabetes & Clinical Practice
Open Access

Clinical features and management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a frequent long-term diabetic consequence. It causes severe and severe clinical complications such as foot ulceration, leg amputation, and neuropathic pain (painfulDPN). Unfortunately, DPN is frequently detected late, when irreparable nerve damage has occurred, and the first symptom may be a diabetic foot ulcer [1]. There are a number of innovative diagnostic methods that may be used to augment clinical evaluation and help in the early diagnosis of DPN. Furthermore, DPN and painful-DPN therapies are restricted. Only strict glucose management in those with type 1 diabetes has been shown to reduce the risk of DPN. DPN is linked to an increased risk of death and morbidity, owing to two primary clinical consequences: diabetic foot ulceration and neuropathic pain. Diabetic foot ulcers are caused by a complicated combination of risk factors and patient actions, although sensory loss as a result of DPN is the most common cause. Lower-limb consequences of diabetes are costly and a significant burden for patients, with potentially fatal results such as amputation and death [2].

Acute sensory neuropathy

Although there are significant variations in the method of onset, associated signs, and prognosis, many of the symptoms of acute sensory and chronic sensorimotor neuropathy are identical. All painful neuropathic symptoms are prone to aggravation at night. Patients with suspected acute sensory neuropathy may have a normal clinical examination, with allodynia (pain caused by a nonnoxious stimulus) on sensory testing, a normal motor exam, and occasionally decreased ankle reflexes. The most crucial aspect of managing this disease is maintaining constant blood glucose levels. Because blood glucose flux (as measured, for example, by the M value, a measure of glycemic excursions from the mean) is linked to pain, stability may be a significant characteristic. However, following neuropathic pain, the majority of people will require medication [3]. In acute sensory neuropathy, the quantity and number of medicines required may be greater. This acute neuropathy has a completely different natural history than the far more frequent chronic DPN; its development is acute or subacute, but the severe symptoms usually go away within a year.

Chronic sensorimotor neuropathy

One of the most painful and potential effects of diabetes is painful neuropathy. Many individuals have no symptoms, and the neurological impairment may only be detected by coincidence during a normal neurological examination. Because chronic DPN is a length-dependent condition, the sensory manifestations are most noticeable in the lower limbs, however the fingers and hands may also be affected in more severe instances. The symptoms are usually unique to each patient, but they are consistent throughout their neuropathy history. Because the symptoms differ from other forms of pain that the patients have previously experienced, it is frequently difficult for them to articulate them. Unsteadiness is becoming more well recognised as a symptom of chronic DPN caused by disrupted propriaception and perhaps aberrant muscular sensory function. Many patients will experience both positive (painful) and negative (nonpainful) sensations at the same time. A symmetrical sensory loss to all modalities in a stocking distribution is commonly seen in individuals with persistent DPN. This can go all the way up to the mid-calf area, and in severe situations, it can even affect the upper limbs. In most cases, ankle reflexes are decreased or nonexistent, and knee reflexes may be impaired as well [4].

Initial therapy and counselling

Giving patients a thorough explanation of their illness, assuaging their worries and misconceptions, and reminding them that their pain may improve with time may be immensely encouraging once a diagnosis has been made. Simple physical therapies, such as using a bed cradle to raise bedclothes away from hyperaesthetic skin, can help. It's also possible to get advice on what kind of shoes to wear. Simple analgesics or anti-inflammatory medications may be enough to relieve pain in people with relatively moderate pain.

Metabolic control: Pancreas or islet cell transplantation is the most effective way to achieve sustained normoglycemia. However, because it is only accessible to patients with end-stage diabetic nephropathy who have combined pancreatic and kidney transplants or in rare situations of young persons with type 1 diabetes, this is not feasible in most circumstances. Although no randomised, controlled trials of intensive insulin treatment in the management of diabetic neuropathy have been conducted, evidence from a number of observational studies show that maintaining stable glycemic control is the most important factor [5]. A new study employing continuous glucose monitoring found that irregular blood glucose management was linked to uncomfortable sensations. However, there is no evidence that switching to insulin would provide pain relief to individuals whose diabetes has been effectively managed with oral hypoglycemic medications.

Pharmacological management: For the treatment of painful symptoms, a wide variety of therapeutic substances have been recommended. Despite the fact that there is very minimal evidence to support the use of nonsteroidal and anti-inflammatory medications in the treatment of DPN, some doctors might recommend them for individuals with moderate symptoms. In neuropathic diabetic patients, such medicines must be used with caution since many will have renal impairment, which is typically a contraindication to the use of nonsteroidal drugs [6].