Neuropathy in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) manifests with many different patterns of nerve injury. Distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP) is the most common patterns of injury, but diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN), mononeuropathies, and radiculopathy also occur along with less common nerve injury patterns. The clinical features and risk factors for DPN are similar for those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but we highlight some of the nuanced differences that have been reported. While metabolic syndrome components have been demonstrated to be risk factors for both types of diabetes, patients with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have these comorbidities. Clinical trials have demonstrated that glycemic control lowers the incidence of DPN in those with type 1 diabetes, but the effect is much less pronounced in those with type 2 diabetes. Weight loss is a promising intervention in those with type 2 diabetes that are overweight or obese. New therapies are needed for the prevention and treatment of DPN in both types of diabetes.