This condition most commonly affects people with type 2 diabetes, although sometimes presents in those without diabetes (nondiabetic lumbosacral radiculoplexus neuropathy). The population trends suggest that hyperglycemia likely plays a role but may not be the causative factor. The nerve damage associated with the disease was first thought to be caused by metabolic changes such as endoneurial microvessel disease, in which cells that support the endothelium (pericytes) are damaged due to high blood sugar. Pericytes regulate capillary blood flow and phagocytosis of cellular debris and ischemia of the nerves can occur if pericytes are damaged. A different potential mechanism involves an immune mechanism causing a microvasculitis which could lead to ischemia.
Proximal diabetic neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy
Vasculitic neuropathy
Small fiber peripheral neuropathy
Autonomic neuropathy
Tropical neuropathy
Peripheral mononeuropathy
Giant axonal neuropathy