Diabetic neuropathy: mechanisms to management

Pharmacol Ther. 2008 Oct;120(1):1-34. doi: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2008.05.005. Epub 2008 Jun 13.

Abstract

Neuropathy is the most common and debilitating complication of diabetes and results in pain, decreased motility, and amputation. Diabetic neuropathy encompasses a variety of forms whose impact ranges from discomfort to death. Hyperglycemia induces oxidative stress in diabetic neurons and results in activation of multiple biochemical pathways. These activated pathways are a major source of damage and are potential therapeutic targets in diabetic neuropathy. Though therapies are available to alleviate the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, few options are available to eliminate the root causes. The immense physical, psychological, and economic cost of diabetic neuropathy underscore the need for causally targeted therapies. This review covers the pathology, epidemiology, biochemical pathways, and prevention of diabetic neuropathy, as well as discusses current symptomatic and causal therapies and novel approaches to identify therapeutic targets.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics / therapeutic use
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Diabetic Nephropathies / diagnosis
  • Diabetic Nephropathies / drug therapy*
  • Diabetic Nephropathies / epidemiology
  • Diabetic Nephropathies / pathology
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • Blood Glucose
  • Hypoglycemic Agents