Diabetic Neuropathy-Symptoms, Types, Cause and Treatment



In this article we will discuss, about what is Diabetic Neuropathy, its symptoms, different types, causes and Treatment, so that we will be aware of it and follow the precautions.

Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is called when the nerve is damaged due to high blood Sugar (glucose), and one of the most serious type of diabetes. Because of the high blood sugar (glucose) the nerve is injure throughout the body. Diabetic neuropathy most targeted areas are often the nerves of legs and feet.

Symptoms

The main symptoms are numbness or reduce the ability to feel pain or temperature changes, tingling, burning feeling especially, on feet and legs or toes. It can be worse at night time. The symptoms depend on the which type you have. At first nerves are affected and then symptoms develop gradually. At early stage we cannot notice anything until considerable nerve damage has occurred.

Symptoms are different from person to person. Some person might have mild symptoms and for some it might get very painful. Most of the time it also, affect the other system of our body such as, urinary tract, blood vessels, digestive system and heart.

Types of Diabetic Neuropathy

There are four different types of diabetic neuropathy. A person can have one type or more than one type of neuropathy.
  1. Peripheral neuropathy.
  2. Autonomic neuropathy
  3. Proximal neuropathy or diabetic polyradiculopathy
  4. Mononeuropathy or focal neuropathy

1. Peripheral neuropathy or Symmetric Peripheral Neuropathy

This one of the most common type of diabetic neuropathy. It can start affects from feet and legs, followed by the hands and arms. Some of the signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are;

  • Numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes.
  • Tingling or burning feeling.
  • Sharp pains or cramps.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Serious foot problems, such as ulcers, infections, and bone and joint damage.

2. Autonomic Neuropathy

The autonomic nervous system affects the nerves, which control the heart rate, blood pressure, sex organ, eyes, bladder and digestive system. Below are some of the symptoms:Unaware that blood sugar levels are low (hypoglycemia unawareness)

  • Suddenly drops in blood pressure when rising from sitting or lying down for longer period that may cause dizziness or fainting.
  • Stomach cannot empty in natural way (gastroparesis), causing nausea, vomiting, sensation of fullness and loss of appetite
  • Difficulty to swallow
  • Changes the sight of eyes from light to dark or far to near
  • Sometime it might affect the sexual response, such as erectile dysfunction in men and vaginal dryness in women.

3. Proximal Neuropathy or Diabetic Polyradiculopathy

Neuropathy often affects the nerves of thighs, hips, buttocks or legs. Symptoms are usually on one side of the body, but may spread to the other side. Below are the some of the symptoms;

  • Might pain in Chest or abdominal wall pain.
  • Cause intense pain in the buttock, hip or thigh.
  • Thigh muscles are weak
  • Difficulty rising from a sitting position

4. Mononeuropathy or focal neuropathy

Mononeuropathy cause the damage to a single or specific nerve. The nerve could be at the face, torso, arm or leg. Symptoms of Mononeuropathy are;Paralysis on either side of the face

  • Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers
  • Weakness in the hand cannot hold the things
  • Pain in the shin or foot
  • Weakness causing difficulty in lifting the foot.
  • Pain in thigh.

Causes

Over a time, uncontrolled high blood sugar damages nerves and interferes with their ability to send signals, leading to diabetic neuropathy. High blood sugar restricted the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the nerves.

Risk Factor

In many cases, a person who has diabetes have more chances to develop neuropathy. 
  • Uncontrolled blood sugar increases the risk of every diabetes complication, including nerve damage.
  • Diabetes can damage the kidneys and the damaged kidney sends toxins into the blood, which can lead to nerve damage.
  • Smoking can narrow and hardens the arteries, reducing blood flow to the legs and feet, which makes it more difficult for wounds to heal.

Side Effect

Diabetic Neuropathy can cause a number of serious complications, including:
  • Should aware of Hypoglycemia unawareness (low blood sugar levels) usually cause shakiness, sweating and a fast heartbeat.
  • Nerve damage can cause a loss of sensation in the feet, so even minor cuts can turn into sores or ulcers without being noticed. In severe cases, an infection can spread to the bone or lead to tissue death. Removal (amputation) of a toe, foot or even part of the leg may be necessary.
  • If the nerves that control the bladder are damaged, the bladder may not empty completely when urinating because of that the bacteria can build up in the bladder and kidneys, causing urinary tract infections. Sometime nerve damage can also affect the ability to feel the urge to urinate or to control the muscles that release urine, leading to leakage.
  • Damage to the nerves that control blood flow can cause a sharp drop in pressure when standing after sitting or lying down, which may lead to light headedness and fainting.
  • If nerve damage occurs in the digestive tract, constipation or diarrhea, or both are possible. This can cause bloating and indigestion.
  • Autonomic neuropathy can damage the nerves that affect the sex organs. Men may experience erectile dysfunction and in women may have difficulty with lubrication and arousal.

Prevention

You can prevent or delay the diabetic neuropathy by monitoring the blood sugar level and taking good care of your feet. Can also manage the blood sugar level by tested Glycated Hemoglobin at least twice in a year, which help to manage average blood sugar level for the past 2 to 3 months. If you find that your blood sugar levels are higher than, change in your daily activities and diet plan.

Follow your health care provider's recommendations to protect the health of your feet:

  • Check for blisters, cuts, bruises, cracked and peeling skin, redness, and swelling in your feet.
  • Wash your feet every day with lukewarm water and mild soap. Don't soak your feet. Dry your feet properly between your toes thoroughly.
  • Moisturize your feet regularly to avoid cracking. But don't get lotion between your toes because it might encourage fungal growth.
  • While cutting the toe nails file the edges carefully so that you have smooth edges. If you can't able to do this yourself, take a help of a specialist problems (podiatrist).
  • Look for socks made of cotton or moisture-wicking fibers that don't have tight bands.
  • Wear closed-toed shoes or slippers to protect your feet. Make sure your shoes fit properly and allow your toes to move.

There are some of factors you should immediately contact you health care provide if : 

  • Cuts and wounds are not healing or infected.
  • Burning, tingling sensation, weakness or pain in your hands or feet while doing the daily activities or sleep
  • If any changes in digestion, urination or sexual function
  • Often feel dizziness and fainting

Conclusion

If we can take care of our health and include some healthy habits in our life style, we can prevent many such disorder, and we can live healthy and happy life. 

You may like to read;

FAQ

Que. 1 Can diabetic neuropathy be cured?

Ans. Till now there is no cure for diabetic neuropathy. One can also prevent diabetic neuropathy or slow its progress with consistent blood sugar management and a healthy lifestyle like other type of diabetic.

Que. 2 What is end stage neuropathy?

Ans. In the final stage there is a Complete Loss of Feeling in lower legs and feet.
Cannot feel any pain, just intense numbness, due to there is no nerves that are able to send signals to your brain.

Que. 3 How can I control neuropathy without medication?

Ans. Below are few tips one can add in their daily routine to control neuropathy without medication, for example;
  • Exercise on a daily basis.
  • Try to get at last 8 hours of sleep.
  • Avoid the deep fried, spicy food.
  • Get sun bath.
  • Drink Green tea.

(This article is only meant for informational purposes. Must not be consider as a substitute for the advice provide by qualified medical professionals.) 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Skin Care – Tips for Healthy and Clear Skin

Image
Skin is the largest organ of our body. It is a protective layer of our body that helps to keep out harmful bacteria, pathogens, and UV radiation. A healthy complexion is dependent on many factors such as lifestyle choices, genetics and our skincare regime. Taking care of our skin is very important so that it remains smooth and glowing, healthy as long as possible. To achieve healthy and glowing skin it is important to make some changes in our daily skin care routine and lifestyle. That will boost our skin's health and leave you feeling confident about the way you look. Skin Care – Tips for Healthy and Clear Skin Skin care routine we should always follow to achieve healthy and glowing skin. 1. Use oil-based cleanser Oil base cleanser is very useful in breaking down the make-up and removing the dirt, and sun scream. By maintaining smooth and healthy skin. 2. Use the second cleanser The second cleanser should be foam base cleanser. Which cleans up the pores from impurities, and dirt a
Read more

Everything we need to know about Vitamin D

Image
  In this article, we will discuss everything we need to know about Vitamin D. Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency in our body and how to prevent it, to live a healthy life. Everything we need to know about Vitamin D What is Vitamin D? Vitamin D is one of the important nutrients which our body needs to stay healthy. It is a fat-soluble vitamin also called as “sunshine vitamin”. It plays an important role to maintain the balance of calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. Help in supporting immunity, controlling glucose metabolism, and reducing dementia and cancer risk. Types of Vitamin D Two types of vitamin D present in our body, D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). D3 can produce in the body when our skin is exposed to the sun. It can also find in meat and some animal-derived foods. D2 find in plant-based food. Our body absorbs D3 more than D2. Everything we need to know about Vitamin D What foods contains Vitamin D? Vitamin D isn't found in many foods, but only
Read more

Iron Deficiency- Signs, Symptoms, Treatment

Image
  Iron is an important mineral that our body requires to maintain healthy blood. Iron-deficiency in our body is call Anemia. It is most common nutritional deficiencies in the world. It causes lightheadedness and extreme fatigue. It can affect all ages. Including pregnant, menstruating women, kidney dialysis people and children. Iron Deficiency- Signs, Symptoms, Treatment Iron is an important part of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein. It is present in red blood cells that helps to carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. Without iron, there will be no red blood cells to transport oxygen, which causes fatigue. Myoglobin is a protein that helps to carry and stores oxygen in muscle tissues with the help of iron. Iron is very important for growth and healthy brain development in children. It plays an important role in the normal production and function of cells and hormones. Iron is store in the spleen, muscle tissue, liver and bone marrow as ferritin. It is transfer throug
Read more