Review of One Hundred Cases of “Diabetic Neuropathy” Followed from One to Ten Years23

Abstract

A review of 100 patients, followed for from one to 10 yrs., showed that diabetic neuropathy is a generalized neurologic disturbance. It is observed not only in the acute stage of diabetes but also soon after the control of the glycosuria and hyperglycemia, and in the chronic and even mild cases of diabetes. This neuropathy develops most frequently in patients over 50 yrs. of age and is preceded or accompanied by marked loss of wt. Symptoms and signs of a vit. B-complex defi-ciency are frequently associated with it. The vit. deficiency is secondary or "conditioned," and it appears to be caused by the disturbed metabolism and at times by an associated chronic infection or other complication. A demonstrable dietary insufficiency is a factor in only certain cases. Com-plete recovery from the neuropathy is uncertain and slow but it occurs following prolonged therapy with vit. B and control of the glycosuria and hyperglycemia.