| Diabetic
Neuropathy (Nerve Problems) What is
diabetic neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is a nerve disorder, a complication of
diabetes. It can lead to problems throughout the body.
People with diabetes can develop nerve problems at any
time, but significant clinical neuropathy can develop within the first 10 years after
receiving a diabetes diagnosis. The risk of developing neuropathy increases the longer a
person has diabetes. About 60 percent of people with diabetes have some form of
neuropathy.
What causes diabetic neuropathy?
Although the exact causes of diabetic neuropathy are
unknown, several factors may contribute to the disorder, including the following:
high blood glucose
High blood glucose causes chemical changes in nerves and impairs the nerves' ability to
transmit signals. It also has the potential to damage blood vessels that carry oxygen and
nutrients to the nerves.
inherited factors
There are some genetic traits that may make some people more susceptible to nerve disease
than others.
What are the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy?
The following are the most common symptoms for diabetic neuropathy, however, each
individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms include:
- numbness in the hands or feet
- pain in the hands, feet, or legs
- problems with internal organs such as the digestive tract, heart, or sexual organs
causing:
- indigestion
- diarrhea or constipation
- dizziness
- bladder infections
- impotence
- weakness
- weight loss
- depression
The symptoms of diabetic neuropathy may resemble other conditions or
medical problems. Consult your physician for a diagnosis.
What are the different types of diabetic
neuropathy?
| diffuse
neuropathy is neuropathy that affects many parts of the body, and includes: |
| diffuse peripheral
neuropathy is neuropathy that affects nerves in the extremities:
Symptoms include:
- numbness
- insensitivity to pain or temperature changes
- tingling, burning, or prickling
- sharp pains or cramps
- extreme sensitivity to touch
- loss of balance or coordination
|
diffuse autonomic
neuropathy is neuropathy that affects nerves that serve internal organs,
processes, and systems of the:
- heart
- digestive system
- sexual organs
- urinary tract
- sweat glands
Symptoms include:
- incontinence
- digestive problems
- low blood pressure
- dizziness
- fainting
- impaired perception of pain
- hypoglycemia
- profuse sweating
|
focal
neuropathy is neuropathy that affects a single, specific nerve and part of the
body, such as the:
- eyes
- facial muscles
- hearing
- pelvis and lower back
- thigh
- abdomen
Symptoms include:
- pain in front of thigh
- severe pain in lower back or pelvis
- pain in chest, stomach, or flank
- chest or abdominal pain that mimics angina, heart attack, or appendicitis
- aching behind eye
- inability to focus eye
- double vision
- paralysis on one side of face
- hearing problems
|
|
How is neuropathy diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, the
physician may:
- check muscle strength
- check muscle reflexes
- check muscle sensitivity to:
- position
- vibration
- temperature
- light touch
- request additional tests, such as:
- nerve conduction studies to check flow of electrical current through a
nerve
- electromyography to see how muscles respond to electrical impulses
- ultrasound to see how parts of the urinary tract are functioning
- nerve biopsy to remove a sample of nerve for examination
Treatment for neuropathy:
Specific treatment will be determined by your physician(s) based on:
- your age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the disease
- your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and discomfort, as well as to prevent
additional tissue damage. Treatment may include:
- pain medications
- antidepressant medications
- topical creams
- transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy
- hypnosis
- relaxation training
- biofeedback training
- acupuncture
Treatment may also be prescribed for complications of neuropathy, such as
gastrointestinal problems, dizziness and weakness, and urinary or sexual problems.
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