Diabetic Neuropathy: Comprehensive Overview of Epidemiology, Classification, Pathophysiology, Clinical Features, and Management

Abstract

Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a prevalent and debilitating chronic consequence of diabetes mellitus, impacting over 50% of patients with long-standing illness. It includes a wide range of illnesses that affect peripheral and autonomic nerves, which can cause loss of sensation, neuropathic pain, autonomic dysfunction, and a higher risk of foot ulcers and amputations. Even though diabetes treatment has gotten better, DN is still not diagnosed or treated well enough, mostly because its aetiology is complicated and its clinical presentation might change. This narrative review offers a comprehensive synthesis of the epidemiology, categorisation, pathophysiological causes, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methodologies, and contemporary therapy techniques for diabetic neuropathy. The multifaceted character of nerve injury is highlighted, encompassing metabolic, vascular, inflammatory, and neurotrophic aspects, alongside growing understandings of mitochondrial malfunction and small-fiber disease. Current therapeutic treatments, including preventative measures, symptomatic pain management, and treatment of autonomic problems, are critically evaluated alongside emerging disease-modifying strategies. Finally, important gaps in diagnosis and treatment are pointed out, showing how important it is to have tools for early detection, personalised treatment plans, and effective neuroprotective therapies to lessen the effects of diabetic neuropathy.

Keywords: Diabetic Neuropathy; Diabetes Mellitus; Peripheral Neuropathy; Autonomic Neuropathy; Neuropathic Pain; Metabolic Problems

Citation

Iwuamadi Ojiugo C, Miriam O, Divine Gift O, Onyeka O, Okezie A, Constance N, et al. Diabetic Neuropathy: Comprehensive Overview of Epidemiology, Classification, Pathophysiology, Clinical Features, and Management. WebLog J Med Sci. wjms.2026.e1806. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20337050