Diabetic Neuropathy
Disclaimer: Not medical or professional advice. Always seek the advice of your physician.
Diabetic neuropathy refers to nerve damage that is caused by high blood glucose levels. This disease usually first appears in the legs, but it can affect different types of nerves in your body, including those that control internal organs.
According to statistical data, up to 60 percent of people with diabetes have some form of neuropathy, but many patients are asymptomatic.
The main cause of diabetic neuropathy is inadequate nutrition of nerve fibers, which occurs due to problems with blood vessels. Fragile and brittle blood vessels cannot provide the proper provision of nutrients, vitamins, and microelements to the most distant neurons. This factor explains why the lower and upper extremities suffer the most from neuropathy.
Types of Diabetic Neuropathy
Peripheral Neuropathy
It refers to damage of the nerve cells of the body, which are responsible for sensations of touch, temperature (cold or hot), or pain. Damaged nerves in the peripheral nervous system cause decreased mobility and muscle strength. In most cases, the disease affects the legs and feet. The destruction of nerve endings can last over a very long time and continue for months and even years. As a result, it may provoke serious diseases.
Autonomic Neuropathy
This type of neuropathy is characterized by damage to the autonomic nervous system that controls heart rate, blood pressure, perspiration, bladder function, digestion, and even sexual function.
Focal Neuropathy
Focal neuropathy is the dysfunction of only one nerve, usually in the wrist, thigh, or foot. It may also affect the nerves of the back, chest, and eyes. The symptoms of focal neuropathy can appear suddenly.
Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy
The early stages of diabetic neuropathy may go unnoticed for a long time. Only an experienced doctor is able to determine the signs of decreased reflexes in certain areas and loss of feeling in the feet and palms.
- reduced sensitivity in the legs
- unpleasant sensations in the legs - numbness, tingling, burning, pain
- gait changes
- indigestion
- heart problems
- erectile dysfunction in men
- loss of muscle strength (in severe cases)
How to Prevent Diabetic Neuropathy?
● Keep your blood glucose levels within the range recommended by your doctor.
● Engage in physical activities and sports.
● Maintain a healthy weight for your height.
● Stop smoking and drinking.
● Visit your doctor if you have symptoms such as pain, numbness, or tingling in your hands or feet.
Treatments for Diabetic Neuropathy
The most important focus of diabetic neuropathy treatment is the lifelong control of blood sugar levels. Diabetic neuropathy has no known cure, but keeping blood glucose levels in the healthy range can significantly reduce the manifestation of symptoms and prevent the worsening of the patient’s general condition.
The American Diabetes Association recommends starting screening for diabetic neuropathy as soon as a person is diagnosed with diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes should have a screening examination 5 years after diagnosis and then annually.