Diabetic Neuropathy


Description

Diabetic neuropathy is a complication of being a diabetic patient for a long time and it is one of the nerve damage types that affect diabetic patients. Nerves could be injured by increasing blood glucose levels; so, the damaged nerves stop sending signals to the various parts of your body. This nerve damage can cause health issues like numbness and pain and may be disabling and affect normal daily activities. Also, the digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels, and heart problems could be caused by nerve damage. The most affected nerves are those of the feet and legs. Fifty percent of diabetic patients have diabetic neuropathy. By keeping your blood sugar as close to your target levels as you can, you can help prevent or delay it. Additionally, you will feel better and have more energy after doing this. Since the signs of nerve damage typically appear gradually, it is critical to identify them as soon as possible so you can take steps to stop the damage from worsening. 

Your diabetes care strategy must include managing your blood sugar. It assists you not only with daily wellness but also with avoiding more major health issues in the future. 

Symptoms

Diabetic neuropathy mostly comes in four different forms. You can have only one type of neuropathy or several different types. 

Depending on the type you have, and which nerves are impacted, your symptoms will vary. Typically, symptoms appear over time. It is possible that nothing will be wrong with you until there has been significant nerve damage. 

Peripheral neuropathy: normally affects the feet and legs but can also affect the hands and arms. It is the most prevalent form of nerve injury in diabetics. Symptoms may include: 

Numbness 
Burning feeling 
Cramps and muscle weakness 
High sensitivity to touch 
Serious foot problems such as infections and ulcers Autonomic neuropathy: damage to the nerves that control your internal organs. Your heart rate, blood pressure, digestive system, bladder, sex organs, sweat glands, eyes, and capacity to detect hypoglycemia can all be affected by autonomic neuropathy. Symptoms may include: 
Nausea and vomiting 
Loss of appetite 
Bowel and bladder problems  
Increased or decreased sweating  
Problems with how your eye adjusts from light to dark and from far to near 
Problems with the sexual response (like the failure of erection in men and dryness of the vagina in women) 
Dizziness or fainting due to blood pressure drop while rising from sitting 
Proximal neuropathy: typically, the nerves in the thighs, hips, buttocks, or legs are affected by this type of neuropathy. Additionally, the chest and abdomen may be impacted. Although they may spread to the other side, symptoms typically only affect one side of the body. Symptoms may include: 

Severe stomach pain 
Severe pain in thigh and hips 
Difficulty getting up from a setting position 
Focal neuropathy: only one nerve is normally affected; these nerves are typically affected in the hand, head, chest, and leg. Symptoms may include: 

Double vision 
Paralysis of one side of the face 
Numbness in the hand or fingers 
Dropping things because of the weakness of hands 
Pain behind one eye 
If you experience any of these symptoms, visit a Diabetes and Endocrinology doctor, who might refer you to a Vascular Surgery doctor (Arteries and Vein Surgery doctor) or a Neurologist (Brain and Nerves doctor), for proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent further complications. 


Causes

The exact cause of diabetic neuropathy is unknown. According to research, diabetic neuropathy develops over time because of nerve injury and interference with signal transmission caused by unchecked high blood sugar. Additionally, high blood sugar damages the capillary walls that carry nutrients and oxygen to the nerves. Any diabetic patient can develop nerve damage; however, the following factors may increase your risk: 

Uncontrolled blood sugar levels. 
Overweight 
High blood pressure 
High cholesterol 
Being a diabetic patient for a long time 
Smoking 
Kidney diseases

Diagnostics

Diabetic neuropathy diagnosis involves foot examination for sores, injuries, or decreased sensation. 


Treatment

To reduce the symptoms caused by diabetic neuropathy, there are numerous treatments available; this could involve erectile dysfunction therapy, painkillers for sensory neuropathy, or nausea and vomiting medicines. 

Maintaining healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels will help to lessen the course of nerve damage and aid to alleviate neuropathy symptoms. 

How to prevent diabetic neuropathy: 

If you have diabetic neuropathy, you should manage your diabetes, which includes controlling your blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and blood sugar levels to prevent further nerve damage. 

Everyone with diabetes needs to take good care of their feet, but if you have peripheral neuropathy, this is even more critical. Take proper care of your feet and daily check them for issues. At least once a year, or more frequently if you have foot issues, visit your doctor for a neurological evaluation and a foot examination. 

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