A Case Report of a Rare Debilitating Complication of Diabetes: Neuropathic Cachexia

A 56-year-old male with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension presented with complaints of intractable burning paresthesia of bilateral extremities, hyperesthesia, and unintentional weight loss. Other symptoms included anorexia, orthostatic hypotension, bowel and bladder dysfunction...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2022-09, Vol.14 (9)
Main Authors: Jerry, Merilyn, Chelikam, Nikhila, Elias Mathew, Pheba, Regassa, Henok D, Jerin Chacko, Praisy, Puli, Srikanth, Thakkar, Badal, Baby, Ann, Panghal, Ritvika
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anorexia
Antigens
Biopsy
Bone marrow
Case reports
Diabetes
Diabetic neuropathy
Endocrinology/Diabetes/Metabolism
Guillain-Barre syndrome
Hemoglobin
Hepatitis
Internal Medicine
Males
Muscle strength
Orthostatic hypotension
Pain
Pain Management
Patients
Peripheral neuropathy
Proteins
Sleep
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Summary:A 56-year-old male with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension presented with complaints of intractable burning paresthesia of bilateral extremities, hyperesthesia, and unintentional weight loss. Other symptoms included anorexia, orthostatic hypotension, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and painful burning sensation on the soles of the feet. Emotional lability and a melancholy mood were noted. After laboratory tests including CSF analysis, biopsies, and three months of treatment that did not bring relief, the patient was diagnosed with diabetic neuropathic cachexia (DNC). While his diabetes remained well-controlled, the patient was unable to improve his nutritional status and his condition progressively worsened, and he later died from cardiac arrest. DNC is an important differential diagnosis to consider in patients with neuropathy and weight loss. Early detection of DNC in conjunction with weight loss investigation may reduce pain and speed recovery with a good prognosis.
ISSN:2168-8184
2168-8184
DOI:10.7759/cureus.28845