The Epidemiology of Diabetic Neuropathy in Korea

Won, Jong Chul; Ko, Kyung Soo

doi:2010.11.3.177

J Korean Diabetes > Volume 11(3); 2010 > Article

Focused Issue

The Journal of Korean Diabetes 2010;11(3):177-182.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/kcd.2010.11.3.177

국내 당뇨병성신경병증의 역학

원종철, 고경수

The Epidemiology of Diabetic Neuropathy in Korea

Jong Chul Won, Kyung Soo Ko

Abstract

Diabetic neuropathy is the most common complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy (or diabetic polyneuropathy), the most common type of neuropathy in patients with diabetes, can present as a loss of sensation and lead to neuropathic ulcers, and is a leading cause of amputation. In addition, diabetic autonomic neuropathy in associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality in patients with diabetes, although estimates of the reported prevalence of diabetic neuropathy vary due to differences in study populations and diagnostic criteria. Thus, the epidemiology of diabetic neuropathy in Korea is not as well understood in comparison as that of other complications of diabetic metabolic disorder, including retinal and renal disease. This review aimed to estimate the prevalence of diabetic neuropathy as reported by studies of clinical characteristics of diabetic patients in Korea, basic statistical studies of Korean patients with diabetes mellitus, and previous clinical studies conducted by the Korean Diabetes Association Diabetic Neuropathy Study Group. (Korean Clinical Diabetes J 11:177-182, 2010)

Key Words: Diabetic neuropathy, Epidemiology, Prevalence