Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms and Treatments

Diabetic neuropathy is damage to the nerves in people with diabetes. The cause is decreased blood flow and high blood sugar levels. People who do not control their blood sugar level run a very high risk of developing diabetic neuropathy. It is estimated that 50% of people with diabetes will eventually develop diabetic neuropathy.

Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy will differ depending on which nerves are affected. Some people will not experience any symptoms at all. The most common symptoms of diabetic neuropathy are:

Tingling, numbness or pain in the extremities.
A noticeable shrinking of the muscles in the feet or hands.
Chronic nausea or indigestion. Vomiting can also occur.
Diarrhea
Constipation.
Feeling faint or dizzy because of a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing.
Difficulty urinating.
Sexual disorders such as excessive vaginal dryness or impotence.
Generalized weakness.

There are four types of diabetic neuropathies. These types are:

Peripheral neuropathy. This will cause pain or a loss of feeling in the arms and hands or lower extremities.

Autonomic neuropathy. It causes changes in the bladder and bowel function. It is responsible for sexual problems. It can cause a dangerous condition known as hypoglycemia unawareness. This is when you will no longer feel the warning symptoms of low blood sugar.

Proximal neuropathy will cause you to feel pain in the buttocks, thighs or hip. It will lead to leg weakness and interfere with your ability to walk.

Focal neuropathy. This is a weakness of a single nerve or maybe a whole group of nerves. It can cause muscle weakness and pain.

The first line of defense against diabetic neuropathy is to get your blood glucose level under control. Consistently monitor your sugar levels, eat a carefully planned diabetic diet and get plenty of exercise. Use your oral diabetic medications or your insulin injections as prescribed. This must be done to prevent further nerve damage.

The next important step is good foot care. The nerves that run to the feet are the longest nerves in the body and therefore they are the ones that are most effected by diabetic neuropathy. Circulation problems are associated with foot ulcers. It is estimated that nearly half of all amputations cause by diabetic neuropathy could have been prevented by careful foot care. It is important to keep your feet clean and inspect them for cuts, sores or blisters. Keep them dry, especially between the toes. Wear slippers or shoes to keep your feet from getting injured. Make sure that your shoes fit well and that your toes have room to wiggle. If you need help taking care of your feet, see a podiatrist.

To get rid of pain from neuropathy, your doctor may tell you to try NSAIDS, aspirin or acetaminophen. Creams that can be applied directly to the skin may be helpful also. Other medicines such as antidepressants and anticonvulsants may be used to help control the pain.

To relieve gastrointestinal problems, eat frequent, small, meals, avoiding fats. If symptoms are so severe that it is interfering with your diet, your doctor may put you on a medication that will speed up your digestion.

Change positions slowly to help prevent the dizziness and light-headedness associated with low blood pressure and other circulatory problems.

Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that can have serious consequences. If you have diabetes, it is vitally important that you work closely with your doctor to maintain normal blood sugar levels.