Characteristics of Peripheral Nervous System Damage in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

This work aims to discuss the nature of peripheral nervous system injuries in T2DM patients, the pathophysiologic process, clinical symptoms, and diagnostic methods. Peripheral neuropathy is among the most prevalent and disabling CNs affecting patients with T2DM affecting the sensory, motor, and autonomic systems. In the present study, using 150 T2DM’s usual clinical investigations, electrophysiological tests, and biochemical measurements, we investigated the correlation between glycemic control, disease duration, and neuropathy severity. According to the presented data, it has been established that poor metabolic control has a significant impact on the progressive severity of neural damage, while patient complaints of paresthesia, hypoesthesia, and allodynia are the most common manifestations. Motor impairment and the changes in the autonomic nervous system in advanced cases also caused cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders. Electromyographic and nerve conduction velocity tests showed that there were poor nerve conduction velocities and this was more marked in the lower limbs, supporting progressive nerve loss. These findings emphasize the necessity of its early diagnostic and differentiated therapeutic approach to avoid severe neuropathic outcomes. Organizational interventions, such as glycometabolic control and neuroprotective measures, are sine qua non in reducing the consequences of diabetic neuropathy on patients’ well-being. Future work should be oriented on using new therapeutic strategies for the improvement of nerve regrowth and functional recovery in diabetic patients.