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Corneal Diabetic Neuropathy

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Visual Dysfunction in Diabetes

Part of the book series: Ophthalmology Research ((OPHRES))

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Abstract

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is dramatically increasing worldwide, and consequently, the prevalence of chronic complications due to diabetes will increase in the near future (Diabetes Care 23:1278–1283, 2000). The most common cause of chronic disability in diabetic patients is diabetic neuropathy, mainly, peripheral diabetic neuropathy. Peripheral diabetic neuropathy affects 50% of diabetic patients within 25 years of diagnosis (Neurologist 10:311–322, 2004). Long-term effects of undetected and untreated peripheral diabetic neuropathy can lead to foot infections that do not heal, as well as foot ulcers. Patients may require subsequent amputation of the foot and digits, which can lead to a decreased quality of life and increased mortality (N Engl J Med 333:89–94, 1995).

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Correspondence to Edoardo Midena .

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Midena, E. (2012). Corneal Diabetic Neuropathy. In: Tombran-Tink, J., Barnstable, C., Gardner, T. (eds) Visual Dysfunction in Diabetes. Ophthalmology Research. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-150-9_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-150-9_4

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