Clinical Importance of Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a complex and common disorder with multiple etiologies and affects about 43.1% of the Korean diabetes population. Good glycemic control slows progression of diabetic neuropathy in subjects with type 1 diabetes but seems to provide little benefit in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Moreover, neuropathy has been shown to develop in humans at stages of prediabetes and in the absence of overt hyperglycemia. Given the increasing incidence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and obesity and the impact of diabetic neuropathy on the quality of life of patients, a strategy for early diagnosis and discovery of an effective treatment is important for prevention and progression of diabetic neuropathy. Approximately 14.4% of Korean diabetics with neuropathy have associated pain, and management of this pain has been unsuccessful for many clinicians and patients. Choice of the correct drug(s), dosage, and patient management seems to be based on individualized conditions and needs. Overall, for good management and prevention for diabetic foot morbidities, early and proper diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy is essential, and simple and precise diagnostic methods must be developed.