Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is a complication unique to people with diabetes. Long-term high blood sugar damages the nerves at the extremities of the body. This type of disorder is like a malfunction in the body’s electrical wiring system; it can affect the nerves of the hands and feet, facial nerves, and the nerves that control internal organ functions.
The most common form is Diabetic Distal Symmetric Polyneuropathy (DSPN), a symmetric “wiring problem” that occurs in both hands and feet at the same time.
In China:
About 1 to 6 out of every 10 people with type 2 diabetes may develop peripheral neuropathy.
Approximately one‑fifth of patients with type 1 diabetes for more than 20 years develop DSPN.
About one‑tenth of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients already have DSPN.
For those living with diabetes for more than 10 years, the prevalence of DSPN rises to about 50%.