Neuropathy: Metabolically-Induced

Metabolic peripheral neuropathies include those that accompany diabetes and vitamin deficiencies and those in response to systemic disorders (e.g., uremia, hypothyroidism, acromegaly). Most of this metabolically focused segment deals with diabetic neuropathies, by far the most common neuropathies in Europe and North America. Diabetic neuropathy, which may predispose to limb amputation, is expected to burgeon in number as the result of the looming global obesity-driven epidemic of type 2 diabetes. This segment focuses on the multiple clinical and pathological patterns of diabetic neuropathy, which may involve sensory (some painful), motor, and autonomic functions. Other segments focus on peripheral nerve participation in systemic conditions which include kidney and hepatic failure, vitamin deficiencies, response to hypothyroidism, and alcoholism.