DIABETIC SENSORY NEUROPATHY: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Oguejiofor O.C, Omejua E.G, Ezejiofor O.I* and Odenigbo U.C

ABSTRACT

Background and objective: Involvement of the peripheral nerves is the most common and certainly the most troubling chronic complication of diabetes mellitus. World wide, diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the most common type of neuropathy, with diabetic sensory neuropathy being the commonest variant and the most important risk factor for foot ulceration and limb loss among diabetic subjects. It presents with a gamut of often bizarre symptomatology and is poorly responsive to pharmacological interventions. This article reviews the literature on this very important risk factor for diabetic foot disease. Method: Research works on current classification, pathogenesis, clinical presentation and more importantly, assessment models for diagnosing sensory neuropathy, were reviewed. The complications and the various treatment options- pharmacological and non-pharmacological- were also explored. Results and conclusion: Advances in the methods for evaluating and diagnosing sensory neuropathy in diabetes mellitus presents huge opportunities and potentials for improved objective assessment of the gamut of bizarre symptomatology of diabetic sensory neuropathy. This article will hopefully generate interest in further local researches on this subject using these assessment models, to determine the pattern of presentation of symptoms of sensory neuropathy among Nigerian diabetic subjects.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, Diabetic sensory neuropathy.