Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most commonly reported long-term diabetic complication, affecting up to 20-40% of type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients. Additionally, DPN is a major contributory factor in patients affected by diabetic foot ulceration and is being held responsible for up to 50-75 % of non-traumatic foot amputations. Thus, taken into account its prevalence, its socioeconomic burden, the impact this has on quality of life, and on associated anxiety and depression, screening and appropriate treatment for DPN is of para mount importance. In practice, the diagnosis of DPN is usually employed to estimate the risk of foot ulceration. Thus preventive interventions are mainly aimed at avoidance of possible foot injuries. However, in addition to the metabolic control of diabetes, other risk factors of DPN susceptible of modification under preventive interventions have been identified. These include blood pressure control, lipid profile control, additional causes (neuro-toxic medications, vitamin B1, B6, B12 deficiencies and alcohol abuse), interventions on lifestyle (exercise and diet) and research into new therapies for treatment. DPNâs categorical not development can be significant and independently predicted by D/I allele of ACE gen polymorphisms and age. Accordingly, D/I allele ACE gene polymorphisms appears as a key effector protector, displaying significant independent correlations with diabetic neuropathy absence.
Last date updated on April, 2024