This chapter critically examines the concept of the polyol pathway and how it relates to the
pathogenesis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The two enzymes of the polyol pathway,
aldose reductase and sorbitol dehydrogenase, are reviewed. The structure, biochemistry,
physiological role, tissue distribution, and localization in peripheral nerve of each enzyme
are summarized, along with current information about the location and structure of their
genes, their alleles, and the possible links of each enzymes and its alleles to diabetic …