Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetes can harm your nerves. This is known as neuropathy which is an extremely painful experience.

Types

There are four types of diabetic neuropathy: peripheral, proximal, autonomic and focal.

Peripheral Neuropathy

This type of neuropathy affects the patient’s feet & legs. In rare cases, it can also affect the patient’s arms, back and abdomen.

Symptoms

Tingling
Burning in the affected area (especially in the evening)
Numbness (it can also become permanent)
Pain

What You Can Do

Check for the above mentioned symptoms in your feet & legs on daily basis.

Keep moisturizing your feet if they are dry
Check your toenails and visit a podiatrist, if required
Wear comfortable shoes and try wearing them all the time to avoid any injury to your feet

Proximal Neuropathy

This usually causes pain on one side of the thighs, buttocks or hips. It may also lead to weakness in from legs. Patients may need medication & physical therapy to take care of their pain or weakness.

Autonomic Neuropathy

This affects the digestive system, particularly the stomach. It also affects the urinary system, blood vessels, and genitals.

Symptoms

Feeling blacked out if you try to stand up quickly
Dizziness
Faster heartbeat
Low blood pressure
Vomiting
Nausea
Feeling of full stomach sooner than normal
Bloating
Constipation
Diarrhea
Heartburn
Urinary incontinence
Frequent urination
Difficulty in urination

What You Can Do

Try to eat small meals
Follow the medication prescribed by your doctor
Avoid standing up quickly
Ask your doctor about special stockings
Undergo specialized treatment like Surgery or Catheterization

Focal Neuropathy

It most often appears suddenly and affects specific nerves, especially in the leg, torso or head. It can also cause pain or weakness in muscles.

Symptoms

Eye pain
Double vision
Bell’s Palsy - Paralysis on one side of the patient’s face
Severe pain in certain areas such as legs, lower back, chest or belly (can be mistaken for conditions like appendicitis or heart attack)

Other Diabetic Neuropathy

People suffering from diabetes can also experience other conditions such as entrapment syndromes (nerve compression).

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one example of this syndrome. It can cause tingling and numbness in the hand and sometimes pain or weakness in the muscle.

The Right Time to Consult a Doctor

An infection or cut/sore on your feet that won't heal
Burning, weakness, tingling or pain in your feet or hands that interferes with your sleep or daily activities
Changes in sexual function, urination or digestion
Fainting and dizziness

Risk Factors

Any individual who is suffering from diabetes can have neuropathy. However, below listed risk factors are more likely to cause it:

Higher sugar level in blood
Family history of diabetes
Kidney damage
Being Overweight - BMI (Body Mass Index) of 25 or above
Smoking

Prevention

Blood Sugar Management

According to the American Diabetes Association, patients suffering from diabetes should undergo A1C test at least once every 6 months. This test helps to estimate the average level of sugar in your blood for the past two-three months.

Foot Care

Foot infections are the most common complications of diabetic neuropathy such as ulcers, sores that won't heal, and amputation. It’s important to follow your doctor's recommendations to take good care of your feet.

Look for cuts, blisters, bruises, redness, cracked & peeling skin and swelling
Use lukewarm water and soap to wash your feet every day. Make sure to dry the skin between your toes and feet carefully
Use moisturizers to prevent cracking of feet
Cut your toenails carefully and file the edges to avoid any cut from the sharp edges of nails
Wear clean and dry socks that are made of cotton and don’t have any thick seams or tight bans
Always wear comfortable slippers or shoes to help protect your feet from any injury