Pruritus as a microvascular equivalent in diabetes

J Pak Med Assoc. 2022 Aug;72(8):1659-1662. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.22-85.

Abstract

Pruritis is a common symptom of many systemic and cutaneous localized diseases and diabetes mellitus is a common syndrome with multiple long term complications, including diabetic painful neuropathy. The involvement of small fibre neurons, in diabetic neuropathy, is recognized as the main pathophysiology. While the C fibres that mediate the sensation of pain and pruritus may belong to different neuronal circuits, there is evidence of cross talk between them. We therefore posit that pruritus may be a symptom of diabetic neuropathy. It should be viewed as an equivalent of microvascular disease, with its accompanying clinical significance and therapeutic implications.

Keywords: Cardiovascular equivalent, Diabetes mellitus, Diabetes neuropathy, Pain, Itch pruritus, Pruritus..

MeSH terms

  • Diabetes Mellitus*
  • Diabetic Neuropathies* / complications
  • Humans
  • Pain
  • Pruritus / etiology