(diabetic neuropathy) A chronic, pathological complication associated with diabetes mellitus, where nerve damages are incurred due to diabetic microvascular injury involving small blood vessels that supply these nerves, resulting in peripheral and/or autonomic nerve dysfunction.

(diabetic neuropathy) Common complication of diabetes mellitus in which nerves are damaged as a result of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels).

Peripheral, autonomic, and cranial nerve disorders that are associated with DIABETES MELLITUS. These conditions usually result from diabetic microvascular injury involving small blood vessels that supply nerves (VASA NERVORUM). Relatively common conditions which may be associated with diabetic neuropathy include third nerve palsy; MONONEUROPATHY; mononeuropathy multiplex; diabetic amyotrophy; a painful POLYNEUROPATHY; autonomic neuropathy; and thoracoabdominal neuropathy. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p1325)

Neuropathies are characterized by a progressive loss of nerve fiber function. A widely accepted definition of diabetic peripheral neuropathy is

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur if you have diabetes. High blood sugar (glucose) can injure nerves throughout your body. Diabetic neuropathy most often damages nerves in your legs and feet.

Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a highly prevalent complication of diabetes (type 1 or type 2) and is characterized by the presence of symptoms and/or signs of peripheral nerve dysfunction and/or autonomic nerve dysfunction. It is diagnosed after the exclusion of other causes. Frequently, however, people with DN are asymptomatic.