Neuropathy in Diabetes Mellitus

The frequent occurrence of neurologic symptoms and signs is one of the striking features noted in a clinic for the treatment of diabetes. Although the frequency of individual symptoms and signs varies, it is safe to say that about 50 per cent of diabetic patients show evidence of a disturbed nervous system. In 1884, Bouchard1noted absence of knee jerks in 28.8 per cent of diabetic patients, and in 1931 Sevringhaus2recorded pain in 49 per cent and reduced reflexes in 57.3 per cent of diabetic patients specially examined for these changes. Among 461 of our diabetic patients in whom the patellar and achilles reflexes were tested, we found decreased or absent reflexes in 45.3 per cent. Diabetic neuritis is not a new condition, yet little progress seems to have been made in its prevention or cure. Although previous to 1864 symptoms suggestive of the degeneration of nerves