Diabetic
peripheral neuropathy (
DPN) is the most common complication of diabetes and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
DPN is characterized by progressive, distal-to-proximal degeneration of peripheral nerves that leads to
pain, weakness, and eventual loss of sensation. The mechanisms underlying
DPN pathogenesis are uncertain, and other than tight
glycemic control in type 1 patients, there is no effective treatment. Mouse models of type 1 (T1DM) and
type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are critical to improving our understanding of
DPN pathophysiology and developing novel treatment strategies. In this review, we discuss the most widely used T1DM and T2DM mouse models for
DPN research, with emphasis on the main neurologic phenotype of each model. We also discuss important considerations for selecting appropriate models for T1DM and T2DM
DPN studies and describe the promise of novel emerging diabetic mouse models for
DPN research. The development, characterization, and comprehensive neurologic phenotyping of clinically relevant mouse models for T1DM and T2DM will provide valuable resources for future studies examining
DPN pathogenesis and novel therapeutic strategies.