A diabetic patient presents with numbness in both feet. What is the most likely mechanism?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Sorbitol accumulation in nerves
Chronic hyperglycemia leads to sorbitol accumulation in Schwann cells, causing neuropathy. This results in distal symmetric polyneuropathy.
Practice all 20 Endocrine and Reproductive Disorders questions
Keep practicing
More Endocrine and Reproductive Disorders questions
- A patient with hypothyroidism shows periorbital edema. What causes this finding?
- A woman taking oral contraceptives presents with mild hypertension. What is a known effect of estrogen?
- A patient presents with fatigue, constipation, and cold intolerance. Labs reveal low T3/T4 and low TSH. Which condition is most likely?
- A pregnant woman develops painless vaginal bleeding and a 'snowstorm' pattern on ultrasound. Which condition is this?
- A patient with diabetes presents with retinopathy. What is the primary mechanism?
- A 12-year-old boy presents with polyuria, weight loss, and fatigue. Labs show hyperglycemia and low C-peptide levels. Which condition is mo…