Dealing with Diabetic Neuropathy

Dealing with Diabetic Neuropathy Diabetic neuropathy is a serious complication of diabetes. About half of people diagnosed with diabetes suffer some form of nerve damage that mainly affects legs, feet and eyes.

Diabetes can also affect the nerves that control different bodily functions such as digestion, blood pressure and heart rate. Nerve damage due to diabetes is more common among patients who have had diabetes for a number of years and can lead to many kinds of complications.

Types of Diabetic Neuropathy There are different types of diabetic neuropathy, each affecting nerves in different parts of the body. Neuropathies are classified based on the affected nerves: 

Peripheral neuropathy – In this condition, the peripheral nerves in areas such as toes, legs, feet, hands, and arms are affected. The main symptoms include shooting pain, numbness or tingling and loss of sensation in the feet and legs.

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Autonomic neuropathy – In this case,

it is the autonomic nervous system that

controls the body functions related to heart, lungs, bladder, stomach, intestines and eyes that is affected. 

Thoracic radiculopathy – This condition occurs due to pinched nerves in the middle portion of the spine, which causes pain in the chest and torso.

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Femoral neuropathy – Typically seen in people with type 2 diabetes, this condition occurs due to femoral nerve dysfunction which results in weakness or pain in the thighs, hips, or legs, usually on one side of the body.

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Charcot’s joint (neurogenic arthropathy) – This is a degenerative disease that affects one or more joints causing swelling, joint instability and abnormal pain sensation.

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Foot drop – Also called drop foot, this occurs when the foot cannot be picked up due to nerve damage in the leg.

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Symptoms The symptoms of diabetic neuropathy develop slowly over many years after the disease has been diagnosed, and can range from mild to severe based on the type of neuropathy and which nerves have been affected. They include 

Numbness, tingling or pain (usually in the feet or hands)

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Nausea and vomiting

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Muscle weakness

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Indigestion

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Erectile dysfunction in men or vaginal dryness in women

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Bladder problems

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Swallowing problems

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Abdominal fullness or bloating

How to Prevent/Delay Diabetic Neuropathy Maintaining blood glucose levels at the proper level can help prevent or delay nerve damage. If nerve damage already exists, control of blood sugar level this will help prevent or delay further damage and lessen symptoms. Other things you should do: 

If you notice symptoms of the condition, see your physician immediately. Early treatment can prevent problems from getting worse.

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Look after your feet. Check for injury (as you cannot feel pain in your feet), hot or cold spots, bumps, dry skin, sores, cuts or breaks in the skin, and toenail problems. Protect your feet by wearing shoes and socks that fit well and using a lotion to address dryness.

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Understand which physical activities and exercises are not safe for people with neuropathy and take care to avoid them.

Leading healthcare centers offer effective treatment to ease the symptoms of nerve damage.

Based on the

patient’s symptoms, a treatment plan may include chiropractic care, physical therapy and management of diabetic nerve pain.

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