Diabetic peripheral neuropathy and metabolic disorder

Chairs
Dr Maryam Ferdousi and Dr Shazli Azmi

Speakers
Professor Handrean Soran and Professor Brian Callaghan

Short abstract:

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a common and disabling complication of diabetes and is increasingly recognised as part of a broader spectrum of metabolic neuropathy. This webinar will explore the relationship between metabolic disorders and peripheral nerve damage, highlighting the role of diabetes, dyslipidaemia, and other metabolic risk factors in the development and progression of neuropathy.

The session will focus on current understanding of disease mechanisms and emerging evidence linking lipid abnormalities and metabolic dysfunction to peripheral nerve injury. By integrating clinical and research perspectives, the webinar will provide insights into metabolic neuropathy and its implications for prevention and management.

Educational outcomes:

• Recognise peripheral neuropathy as part of a broader spectrum of metabolic disease, beyond diabetes alone.
• Understand the role of metabolic and lipid-related risk factors in the development and progression of peripheral neuropathy.
• Explore the clinical and research implications of targeting metabolic dysfunction for peripheral neuropathy.

Professor Handrean Soran

Professor Handrean Soran is a Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist with specialist expertise in lipidology, cardiovascular risk, and metabolic disease. He leads the Lipoprotein Research Team at the University of Manchester and the cardiovascular trials programme at Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. His research focuses on lipoproteins, metabolic dysfunction, and micro- and macrovascular complications of diabetes and obesity, including the emerging link between lipids and peripheral neuropathy. Professor Soran has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications, serves on the editorial board of Atherosclerosis, and is Chair of HEART UK’s Medical, Scientific and Research Committee.

Professor Brian Callaghan

Dr. Callaghan is Professor of Neurology, the Eva L. Feldman Professor of neurology, and a staff physician at the Ann Arbor Veterans Affairs Hospital. He has over 180 peer- reviewed publications including more than 40 first and last author publications. He has received grant funding from the NIH (NIDDK R-01 grant, NIH K23 grant), VA (CSR&D Merit grant), ADA (Junior Faculty Award), JDRF, and the AAN. He serves as an associate editor for the Neurology journal. Dr. Callaghan also serves as the chair of the AAN Health Services Research subcommittee, the co-chair of the Peripheral Nerve Society’s Scientific Programming committee, and a board member for the International Diabetes Neuropathy Consortium. He is the co-Director of the Neuromuscular division and the Associate Program Director of research for the neurology residency program.