Abstract
Neuropathy is one of the most common long-term complications accompanying diabetes mellitus. It affects patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but it progresses more rapidly and its manifestations are more severe in type 1 diabetes [1, 2]. Diabetic neuropathy is defined by the presence of detectable sensory, motor, and autonomic nerve abnormalities on clinical examination, with or without the presence of symptoms [3, 4]. As many as 50% of the patients may be asymptomatic; diagnosis may only be made on examination or, in some cases, when the patient presents with a painless foot ulcer [5]. Other patients may not report symptoms, but admit on inquiry that their feet feel numb. A careful neurological examination of the lower limb usually reveals sensory loss as reflected by abnormal vibration, pressure, pain, or temperature perception, mediated by small and large fibers, as well as absence of ankle reflexes. Signs of autonomic neuropathy may include manifestations of, for example, impaired cardiovascular and gastrointestinal functions.
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Ekberg, K., Wahren, J. (2012). C-Peptide and Diabetic Neuropathy in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes. In: Sima, A. (eds) Diabetes & C-Peptide. Contemporary Diabetes. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-391-2_12
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-391-2_12
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