Diabetic Neuropathy

What is Diabetic Neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy is caused when a high blood sugar level is reached frequently over a period of time. Those who suffer from diabetes have trouble keeping their blood sugar level at a normal level and are at risk for neuropathy more so than others. Nerve damage throughout the body results from these extended time periods of having high blood sugar and can cause three different kinds of diabetic neuropathy symptoms.

Types of Diabetic Neuropathy

One kind of diabetic neuropathy is called peripheral neuropathy where the damage is to the peripheral nerves. These are the nerves that control sensations like pain, hot, cold, and touch. The result is trouble with the legs and arms, usually more in the lower legs and feet. Symptoms include painful burning sensations and shooting pains, especially in the toes. Sometimes the pain levels can be extreme. Some diabetics have trouble with their feet due to the problems associated with peripheral neuropathy and the condition of diabetes.

Another way that diabetic peripheral neuropathy can affect you is through damage to your autonomic nerves. These are the nerves that control involuntary actions taken by your body like your heartbeat, digestion process, knowing when you have to go to the bathroom, and even being able to sweat. The symptoms of autonomic neuropathy can cause debilitating consequences to your lifestyle and can steal your independence by making you dependent on others for things like cleaning your house or driving to the market. Some people have severe problems like breathing difficulties and the loss of being able to hold feces or urine.

Focal neuropathy is a third kind of diabetic neuropathy that affects only one nerve at a time and when the damage is done, it is usually quick and takes the sufferer by surprise. These attacks usually occur in the wrist, thigh, or foot. Some have experienced problems with the nerves in their chest and back while others have also had reported damage to their eye muscles.

Treating and Preventing Diabetic Neuropathy

Over half of all people with diabetes end up with the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. The most important thing for diabetics is stay on top of maintaining their blood sugar levels at all times. If one is already afflicted with neuropathic symptoms, there may be treatments that involve medication and certain therapies. The very best way to treat diabetic neuropathy is to stay in control of your diabetes through diet, exercise, and minding your sugar levels.

Practicing excellent foot care is the number one way to deter a lot of the foot problems associated with diabetic neuropathy. It is very possible to have what is known as a 'Charcot foot' if you who have the type of diabetic neuropathy called peripheral neuropathy. Charcot foot is essentially permanent disfigurement of one or both feet, and in most cases requires surgery to correct.

For those who are suffering from diabetes and any form of neuropathy associated with diabetes, depression can become a big part of trying to overcome the hardships caused by the symptoms of these conditions. Keep in mind that you are not alone in your fight.