What is Diabetic Neuropathy?

According to Friedman Diabetic Institute: "Diabetic Neuropathy is a condition in which high blood sugar levels damage the nerves. Symptoms include tingling or numbness in the extremities, (hands, feet, arms and legs) or decreased sensitivity to pain, heat or cold.

Diabetic Neuropathy can also cause bladder control or sexual problems, problems controlling blood pressure or dizziness."

The American Diabetes Association reports that, "there are 23.6 million in the United States or 8% of the population who have diabetes. About half of all people with diabetes have some nerve damage." The feet or legs are the parts of the body commonly affected by diabetic neuropathy. There are other areas of nerve damage in diabetics which relates to the category of nerve damage. There are three main types of nerve damage in diabetic neuropathy.

They are:

Sensorimotor neuropathy also called peripheral neuropathy.

This type of neuropathy is what causes the tingling and numbness and decrease in sensitivity to pain, heat and cold in the arms, legs, hands and feet.

Autonomic neuropathy causes the biggest of the three problems.

This type of neuropathy can cause serious complications such as:

Intestinal problems resulting in nausea, vomiting, feeling of fullness, diarrhea or constipation.

Genitourinary problems which causes loss of bladder control and impotence in men.

Vision problems which has to do with the way your eyes adjust to light and darkness.

The inability to recognize and feel the signs of low blood sugar.

The ability to feel and recognize the signs of an heart attack.

Focal neuropathy appears suddenly affecting specific nerves mostly in the head, torso or leg. Several things may occur when focal neuropathy occurs.

Vision problems

Pain in one eye.

Difficulty in focusing the eye.

Double vision.

Paralysis

Paralysis of the face called Bell's Palsy can occur.

Pain

Pain in the chest, the side or the stomach may occur.

Compression of the Nerves.

A common condition that occurs in diabetics is compression of the median nerve that causes tingling, numbness in the fingers and the wrist called carpel tunnel.

Causes of Diabetic Neuropathy

Researchers are not sure what causes diabetic neuropathy, they do agree there are several factors that contribute to the condition. The main contributing factor is high blood glucose associated with diabetes.

High blood glucose causes changes that interferes with the ability for the nerves to send signals.

It also causes damage to blood vessels which interrupts the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the nerves.

Treatment of Diabetic Neuropathy

There is no cure for diabetic neuropathy at this time. The goal in treating diabetic neuropathy is to prevent the disease from getting worse and to ease the pain and discomfort.

The most important step is to reduce the blood sugar level to within the normal limits, through diet, exercise and medications, in addition avoid smoking and the use alcohol. In addition follow your physician's order regarding your diabetic care.

Researchers are working diligently to find the tools to prevent and cure diabetic neuropathy.

For more information visit: American Diabetic Association.

1-800-Diabetes

www.diabetes.org