Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
1. China Department of Diabetic Endocrinology, Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan 750021, China
2. China College of Laboratory Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750001, China
| Abstract: | DPN, or diabetic peripheral neuropathy, is one of the more common and important complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This article provides a comprehensive review of the advances in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a common chronic complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is on the rise worldwide and has a serious impact on patients' quality of life. Its onset is related to the duration of diabetes, blood glucose control, age, gender, and lifestyle, and its main pathogenesis involves metabolic disorders, blood circulation disorders, neurotrophic deficiencies, autoimmune responses, and genetic factors. Clinical screening is performed through history taking and five sensory tests, and diagnosis relies on clinical presentation, symptoms and multiple quantitative criteria, combined with ancillary tests such as nerve conduction studies. Treatment is aimed at early detection and intervention to improve prognosis and quality of life, and covers pharmacological treatments (e.g., hypoglycaemic, neurotrophic, anti-oxidative stress, microcirculatory and other drugs), non-pharmacological treatments (physiotherapy, acupuncture, massage, electrical stimulation), and lifestyle interventions (sensible diet, regular rest, and moderate exercise). With the advancement of technology, new therapeutic methods such as stem cell therapy and gene therapy have shown potential. In the future, clinicians and researchers need to continue to explore and provide more effective treatment options for patients. |
| Keywords: | Diabetes Mellitus; Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy; Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; Etiopathogenesis |
| DOI: | 10.57237/j.cmf.2025.04.001 |
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Received: 22 January 2025
Accepted: 25 February 2025
Published Online: 29 December 2025
Funding
| 1. | 宁夏自然基金 (2025AAC030490) |
| 2. | 宁夏医科大学教改项目 (NYJY2025092) |
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