The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing at an epidemic level,
leading to a consequent increase of its chronic complications, including
neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy constitutes a heterogeneous group of
disorders with distinct clinical presentations and pathophysiological
mechanisms. These distinct forms may be categorised according to their
clinical presentation as symmetrical (distal symmetrical polyneuropathy,
autonomic and acute sensory neuropathy) and focal or multifocal
(radiculoplexus neuropathies, entrapment syndromes, cranial palsies and
other mononeuropathies). Additionally, people with diabetes may have
neuropathies due to causes other than diabetes. The commonest forms of
diabetic neuropathy are distal symmetrical polyneuropathy and autonomic
neuropathy. However, clinicians should be aware that people with
diabetes may suffer from less common forms of neuropathy and should be
able to recognise their symptoms and signs. The recognition of the rare
diabetic neuropathies is crucial, as they often lead to different
clinical outcomes and require different management. The aim of the
present narrative, non-systematic review is to outline the rare types of
diabetic neuropathies. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved
