title: [Diabetic neuropathy: do not only consider distal symmetrical neuropathy].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. The length-dependent symmetrical sensorimotor type of neuropathy is the most prevalent form of diabetic neuropathy but other forms of diabetic neuropathy also need to be kept in mind. Their differential diagnosis is often more challenging but implicates specific forms of treatment other than improvement of metabolic control.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article gives an overview of the less frequent forms of diabetic neuropathy and discusses their impact, diagnostic and therapeutic implications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Autonomic diabetic neuropathy, diabetic small fiber neuropathy and less frequent forms of diabetic neuropathy, such as diabetic radiculoplexopathy, diabetic neuropathy of cranial nerves, therapy-induced neuropathy and alternative causes of peripheral neuropathy in patients with diabetes are described.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Diagnosis of less frequent subtypes of diabetic neuropathy and differentiation towards alternative causes of peripheral neuropathy are often difficult in daily medical routine. Diagnostic clues are helpful in identifying rarer forms of diabetic neuropathy, thus enabling more specific treatment.
authors.affiliation: Neurologische Klinik, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080, Würzburg, Deutschland, Doppler_K@ukw.de.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Doppler
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Reiners
mesh_terms: D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004916:Erythromelalgia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000175:diagnosis*