ISSN: 2578-4641
Authors: Bagin S, Ellis CN, Parra J, Pandit M, Patel D and Joseph S*
Diabetes is a prevalent disease in the United States with severe, life changing and costly complications. One such complication is peripheral neuropathy which manifests itself as a chronic pain and decreased sensation. The exact mechanism of its development is not completely understood; however, it has been determined that a prolonged state of hyperglycemia leads to oxidative and nitrosative stress to the nerve fibers, edema, inflammation, demyelination and ischemia. The current approach to treatment of diabetic neuropathy focuses on three main aspects: glycemic control, lifestyle modifications and management of neuropathic pain. Because the management of neuropathic pain has varied success among different patients and does not address the underlying pathophysiology of nerve damage, novel technologies and treatment techniques are being developed. Among those are the hyperbaric oxygen therapy and angiogenesis stimulating agents. Animal studies produced impressive results, such as enhanced angiogenesis, decreased inflammation and nerve regeneration. Human trials are also being conducted, and those technologies might be the next big step in the treatment of patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus; Diabetic Neuropathy; Peripheral Neuropathy; Neuropathic Pain; Chronic Neuropathy; Hyperglycemia
