Diabetic neuropathies are neuropathic disorders that are associated with diabetes mellitus. These conditions are thought to result from diabetic microvascular injury involving small blood vessels that supply nerves (vasa nervorum).

Diabetic neuropathy affects all peripheral nerves: pain fibers, motor neurons, autonomic nerves. It therefore necessarily can affect all organs and systems since all are innervated. There are several distinct syndromes based on the organ systems and members affected, but these are by no means exclusive. Symptoms vary depending on the nerve(s) affected and may include symptoms other than those listed. Symptoms usually develop gradually over years.

Symptoms may include:

• Numbness and tingling of extremities
• Dysesthesia (decreased or loss of sensation to a body part)
• Diarrhea
• Erectile dysfunction
• Urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control)
• Impotence
• Facial, mouth and eyelid drooping
• Vision changes
• Dizziness
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Speech impairment
• Fasciculation (muscle contractions)
• Anorgasmia
• Burning or electric pain

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