Current Concepts in Diabetic Neuropathy

Abstract

Diabetic neuropathies are classified, for the sake of convenience, into four groups. First are the distal symmetrical variety that may be predominantly motor or predominantly sensory. Second are the rnononeuropathy syndromes of cranial or somatic nerves. Third are the automatic group and finally, any combinaLion of two or three varieLies. Etiopathology of these neuropathic syndromes takes into consideration the biochemical alterations and ischemic changes. The most recent understanding of the role of a/dose reductase in the polyol pathway is presented briefly, as is, in the hyperglycemic slate, sorbitol accumulation, which resuls in the decrease of AT-Pase activity and slowing of nerve conduction. In the treatment of diabetic neuropathies, a/dose reductase inhibitors are being used in many centers and their release for general use is anxiously awaited.