| dc.description.abstract | ABSTRACT Subjective: Diabetes mellitus is a common disease, which has great impact on both patient health and health economy. Due to its many complications, like diabetic neuropathy, the disease contributes to significantly increased mortality and morbidity. Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication, and can present in many forms in the diabetic patient. Objective: The purpose of this student study, was to review both Norwegian and international litterature, in order to provide an overview of diabetic neuropathy, its pathogenesis, presentations and treatment. Material and methods: During the period of January 2014 to October 2015, Pubmed and The Cochrane Library were searched, using different search combinations, most of which included the term Diabetic neuropathy. Only articles published in English or Norwegian were used. Results Diabetic neuropathy is a heterogenous disease, consisting of different distinct presentations. The most common forms are chronic, and lead to significant mortality and morbidity. As of today, there exists no cure for the condition, and the only strategies which have proven to be effective, are intesive blood glucose control for prevention in type 1 diabetic patients, as well as optimal pain control. Conclusions: Diabetic neuropathy has a negative impact on the quality of life of the patients, and there is great need for more research and well-conducted randomized controlled trials, in order to find a potential cure, or better treatment options. Especially for patients with type 2 diabetes, a better understanding of the mechanisms leading to neuropathy, as well as efficient ways to prevent the complication, are important to investigate further. | eng |