Facts About Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetes is a chronic health issue and can have long range effects on the body if it is allowed to go unmanaged. One of the biggest complications of diabetes is diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy affects the nerves, which allow you to feel sensations. It can also produce painful sensations or otherwise uncomfortable such as tingling. Four types of neuropathy are associated with diabetes.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy refers to the extremities and, in the case of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, it is more often found in the feet and legs. Nerve damage in the feet poses risks such as undetected injuries and sores due to loss of sensation in those areas. A diabetic should make a habit of checking their feet at least once a day to help determine if there are sores or foreign bodies, which may be present. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy also limits blood supply to the extremities, which inhibits healing of injuries.
Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy
Diabetic autonomic neuropathy affects primarily the digestive system. Organs affected could be the stomach, kidneys, and bladder and sex organs. Signs of a diabetic autonomic neuropathy include:
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling full after small meals
- Erectile dysfunction
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
Diabetic Proximal Neuropathy
Diabetic proximal neuropathy will cause pain in the thighs, hips or buttocks. The pain is usually contained to one side of the body. This type of neuropathy may cause weakness in the legs. Treating the weakness will include a combination of medication and physical therapy. Prognosis for recovery from this type of neuropathy varies depending on the amount of nerve damage done in the affected areas.
Diabetic Focal Neuropathy
Focal neuropathy tends to appear suddenly affecting specific nerves in the head, torso or legs. Symptoms of this neuropathy include:
- Double vision
- Eye pain
- Bell’s palsy (paralysis on one side of the face)
- Chest pain
- Abdominal pain
Diabetic focal neuropathy is painful, but typically improves by itself slowly, sometimes taking months. It does not normally cause long-term residual damage.
In all four cases of diabetic neuropathy, the key is prevention. Prevention includes taking care of yourself and monitoring your blood sugar on a routine basis, taking your medications, eating healthy and exercising.