DIABETIC NEUROPATHY - THERAPIES FOR PERIPHERAL AND AUTONOMIC SYMPTOMS

Painful peripheral diabetic neuropathy is a major cause of morbidity i n diabetes mellitus. In addition to good glycemic control, therapeutic options include simple analgesics, the occasional use of narcotic ana lgesics, tricyclic antidepressants, or topically applied capsaicin cre am. Other options such as carbamazepine and Lidocaine have clinical dr awbacks, but some investigational compounds may hold promise in the fu ture. Diabetic autonomic neuropathy is often undiagnosed because of it s diffuse organ involvement and gradual onset. Affected organ systems may include the ocular pupil, sweat glands, gastrointestinal tract, bl adder, sex organs, cardiovascular system, and adrenal medullary system . Diagnosis requires the exclusion of other causes for the patient's s ymptoms.