Everything You Should Know About Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to simply as diabetes, is a metabolic disease in which blood sugar levels are dangerously elevated. Blood sugar levels rise as the body either stops producing the hormone insulin or is unable to use it effectively. Insulin is responsible for moving sugar from the blood to your cells. If not managed appropriately or left untreated, diabetes can cause damage to your nerves, kidneys, eyes, and other organs. 

What Is Diabetic Neuropathy? 

High levels of blood sugar and lipids like triglycerides cause damage to the nerves over a period of time. This type of nerve damage is referred to as diabetic neuropathy. There are different types of diabetic neuropathy that affect different areas of the body, resulting in a variety of symptoms. 

What Are The Common Symptoms Of Diabetic Neuropathy? 

The symptoms of diabetic neuropathy surface as the condition progresses over time. Generally, the first type of nerve damage occurs in the feet, which can lead to symptoms like pain in the feet and numbness.

Symptoms affecting other areas of the body include: 

Sensitivity to touch 

Difficulty with coordination when walking 

Muscle weakness

Bloating or fullness

Nausea, indigestion or vomiting 

Vaginal dryness

Erectile dysfunction

Double vision

What Are The Different Kinds Of Diabetic Neuropathy?

The term neuropathy is used to describe several types of nerve damage. There are four main types of neuropathy.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a kind of nerve damage that primarily affects the feet and legs, but can also affect the hands and arms. This type of neuropathy is extremely common in diabetics, with nearly one-third to half suffering from peripheral neuropathy.

Autonomic Neuropathy

Autonomic neuropathy is related to damage caused to the nerves that control your internal organs. This kind of neuropathy can lead to heart-related problems or cause high blood pressure. It can also affect the urinary bladder, sweat glands, sex organs, and eyes. In severe cases, the damage can also lead to hypoglycemia unawareness – a diabetes-related complication in which the patient is unaware of a drop in their blood sugar levels.

Focal Neuropathies

This condition typically leads to damage of single nerves, most often in the hand, head or torso. The most common type of focal neuropathy is entrapment syndromes. There are other kinds of focal neuropathy as well, but they are extremely rare.

Proximal Neuropathy 

Proximal neuropathy is a rare and disabling type of nerve damage that occurs in the hip region, buttock or thighs. The nerve damage usually affects one side of the body and in very rare cases extends to the other side. 

What Are The Problems Caused By Diabetic Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy can lead to foot complications, with an increased risk of injuries, sores, ulcers and infections; it can also cause problems with balance and coordination, which can lead to fractures.

The nerve damage caused because of diabetes may lead to chronic pain, which can give rise to anxiety and depression. 

How To Protect Yourself From Diabetic Neuropathy?

Timey and strict management of diabetes is critical to prevent diabetic neuropathy. This requires meticulous monitoring of blood glucose or blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Additional steps that can help prevent diabetic neuropathy include:

Regular exercise

Quitting smoking

Following a diabetic meal plan

Taking regular medication as prescribed by your doctor

Limiting alcohol consumption

Doctors suggest that screening for diabetic neuropathy should begin immediately after someone is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and for type 1 diabetes it should begin after five years. Annual screenings can keep you updated with your situation and may help prevent diabetic neuropathy. Most importantly, follow your doctor’s advice with regard to medication, as well as lifestyle changes.     

References Links:

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/diabetic-neuropathy
2. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/nerve-damage-diabetic-neuropathies
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371580#:~:text=Diabetic%20neuropathy%20is%20a%20type,in%20your%20legs%20and%20feet