Diabetic Neuropathy: What should You Know?

Neuropathy is impairment to nerves and diabetic neuropathy is damage to nerves caused by diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy arisesas a result of elevated glucose levels in the blood for prolonged periods of time. It affects different parts of the body and has varying symptoms for different people.

Types of diabetic neuropathy depends on the nerve/s that is affected.
1.      Peripheral neuropathy
2.      Proximal neuropathy
3.      Autonomic neuropathy
4.      Focal neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a serious complication of diabetes which is very common and can be prevented by keeping the blood sugar levels in check.

Peripheral Neuropathy:

This neuropathy affects the limbs of a diabetic person and in some rare cases even affects the back and the abdomen. The symptoms are:
·         Tingling
·         Feeling of numbness
·         Burning sensation prevailing mostly in the evening

Diabetic patients are advised to take great care of their feet. Using hydrating lotion on dry feet and wearing well-fitting shoes at all times is highly recommended in order to protect the feet from injuries.

Autonomic neuropathy:

It generally affects the digestive system but can also have some effects on the veins and urinary system. The symptoms include:
·         Swelling
·         Diarrhea
·         Indigestion
·         Constipation
·         Nausea and vomiting
·         Dizziness
·         Low blood pressure

To prevent or to help with autonomic neuropathy the person may eat smaller meals. They should also avoid standing up suddenly.

Proximal Neuropathy:

This causes pain dominant on one side in the thighs, hips or hind. Therapy and medication is strongly advised for this type of neuropathy as it may help relieving the pain.

Focal neuropathy:

The symptoms of this problem can appear out of nowhere and affect a specific nerve of head, upper body or leg. The common symptoms of this neuropathy are:
·         impaired vision
·         pain in the eyes
·         paralysis on one side of the face
·         unbearable pain in the back or in the legs

Focal neuropathy is unpredictable and can even be mistaken for another disease. But it can improve with proper care and medication within a few months without causing any lasting damage.

Prolonged levels of very high glucose in the blood is generally the cause of the above types of neuropathies. It isn’t completely clear why this complication occurs but experts suggest that high blood sugar interferes with the ability of nerves to transmit signals to corresponding parts of the body. Genetic factors, too, sometimes play a role in nerve damage. Alcohol abuse and incessant smoking also has lasting effect on the nerves and may cause infections.