Five cases of acute painful neuropathy induced by rapid glycaemic control with insulin and literature review

[Summary] The characteristics ot clinical data and relevant inspection (quantitative sensory and electrophysiological studies) in 5 patients hospitalized with acute painful neuropathy following rapid glycaemic control with insulin from 2010 to 2012 in our hospital were analyzed.The results showed that 5 patients were all males,aged 31-49 years,with lower body mass index,and diagnosed as latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA) or type 2 diabetes.Glycaemic control was poor before application of insulin.When insulin was used,the hyperglycemia was rapidly corrected in a short time,with recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia during insulin treatment.The painful neuropathic symptoms appeared within 2-4 weeks after application of insulin,and were relieved partially or completely after 2-6 months.Neuropathic symptoms manifested as tingling and tenderness,with worsening during night and after insulin injection.The neuropathic symptoms were not significantly alleviated after application of neurotrophic drugs such as methycobal,protogen,and prostaglandin.These patients often suffered from severe anxiety.Nerve electromyogram examination showed slowed or normal motor conduction velocity of tibial and fibular nerves,and normal feeling threshold. Key words: Insulin treatment;  Rapid glycaemic control;  Acute painful neuropathy