Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Robert W. Hurley, M.D., Ph.D.
Chief, Division of Pain Medicine
Associate Professor
Department of Anesthesiology, Neurology, Psychiatry, Orthopedics and Rehabilitation
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida

Nataliya Yakovleva, M.D.
Resident Physician
Department of Anesthesiology
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida

Introduction - TOP

Diabetic peripheral neuropathies (DPNs) are the most common types of neuropathies worldwide. There has been significant progress in the understanding of the clinical aspects of these conditions, however many questions remain unanswered or difficult to answer in terms of causation, risk factors and genetic susceptibility, effective treatments and restoration of nerve functions, and pain management. The major problem in studying DPNs is the lack of a suitable animal model that addresses acute and chronic events leading to DPN. Unfortunately and despite numerous drug trials, other than strict glycemic control, which is often difficult to maintain, there are no other treatments to slow the progression or delay the development of DPN.

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