Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder marked by persistent hyperglycemia due to defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Its global prevalence has risen sharply, with over 537 million adults affected in 2021, and projections estimating 783 million by 2045. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) represents the majority of cases and is closely linked to lifestyle factors, obesity, aging, and urbanization. Chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes predisposes individuals to a range of complications, among which diabetic neuropathy (DN) is particularly common and debilitating. DN affects up to 50% of diabetic individuals over their lifetime and primarily manifests as distal symmetric polyneuropathy, where sensory deficits typically precede motor impairments. Despite its high prevalence, DN is frequently underdiagnosed, especially during early or subclinical stages, due to the absence of overt symptoms. This asymptomatic nature increases the risk of severe complications, including diabetic foot ulcers, infections, amputations, and functional disability, which significantly reduce quality of life. Early detection through clinical and electrodiagnostic assessment is therefore critical for timely intervention and prevention of progressive nerve damage. Understanding the pathophysiology, prevalence, and early markers of DN is essential for improving patient outcomes. Electrodiagnostic studies, in particular, provide objective measures of nerve function and can detect neuropathic changes before clinical symptoms appear. Incorporating such assessments into routine diabetes care can facilitate early diagnosis, optimize management strategies, and ultimately reduce morbidity associated with diabetic neuropathy
Adebayo Chukwuemeka Funke (2025) studied this question.