Pathogenesis of late diabetic complications is influenced by a complex interplay of
multiple exogenous and intrinsic factors. The well characterised nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is an ideal model to study causes of diabetic polyneuropathy because of its easily
accessible nervous system. A repertoire of methods allows the assessment of both morphological
and functional glucotoxic damages as well as reduction of lifespan, thereby helping
to examine the influence of different pathways and mechanisms on neurodegeneration.
Its insulin signalling system allows to directly visualize effects of insulin on high
glucose induced neuronal damage, leading to a better understanding of diabetic polyneuropathy.
Key words
diabetes mellitus - neuropathy - Caenorhabditis elegans - glucotoxic damage - oxidative
stress - insulin
