Diabetic Neuropathies
(The Nerve Damage of Diabetes)
The causes are probably different for different varieties of diabetics. Research is
being done on the effect of glucose on nerves to find out exactly how prolonged
exposure to high glucose causes neuropathy.
Nerve damage is likely due to a combination of factors: such as high blood
glucose, long duration of diabetes, possibly low levels of insulin, and abnormal
blood fat levels.
Neurovascular factor, leading to damage to the blood vessels that carry oxygen
and nutrients to the nerves
Autoimmune factors that cause inflammation in nerves.
Mechanical injury it nerves, such as a carpal tunnel syndrome
Inherited traits that increase susceptibility to nerve disease
Lifestyle factors such as smoking or alcohol use
Some of the Symptoms of neuropathy depend on the type of neuropathy and
which verves are affected. Some people have no symptoms at all. For others,
numbness, tingling, or pain in the feet is often the first stage sign.
A person can experience both pain and numbness. Often, symptoms are minor
at first, and since most nerve damage occurs over several years, mild cases may
go unnoticed for a long time. Symptoms may involve the sensory or motor
nervous system, as well as the involuntary (autonomic) nervous system.
In some People, mainly those with Peripheral neuropathy the onset of pain
may be sudden and severe. The symptoms may include: numbness, tingling, or
pain in the toes, feet, legs, hands, arms, and fingers.
Wasting of the muscles of the feet or hands.
Indigestion, nausea, or vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, problem with
urination, weakness.
Dizziness or faintness due to a drop in the postural blood pressure, erectile
dysfunction or vaginal dryness.
In addition the following symptoms are not due to neuropathy but nevertheless
often accompany it: weight loss, and depression.
There are four different types of neuropathy and I will get into deeper detail
with each in other articles.
The first step for treatment of neuropathy is bringing your BG's under good
control, and into normal ranges and keeping them there. That will help from
further damage.
Although the symptoms may get worse at first after getting the BG's under
control over time, maintaining lower blood glucose levels helps reduce the
symptoms. Importantly, good blood glucose control may also help prevent or
delay the onset of further problems.
Good Foot care is a must. The nerves to the feet are the longest in the body and
are the ones most often affected by neuropathy. Loss of sensation in the feet
means that sores or injuries may not be noticed and may become ulcerated or
infected. Circulation problems also increase the risk of foot ulcers.
More than half of the lower limb amputations in the United States occur in
people with Diabetes (86,000 amputations per year). Nearly half of the
amputations caused the neuropathy and poor circulation could have been
prevented by careful foot care.
In closing try to keep in mind that keeping your BG's in normal ranges will keep
neuropathy at bay for a longer period of time, it is not a guarantee you will
never have trouble with it. But keeping your numbers at their normal range as
often as possible will help keep you as healthy as possible.
Have a Blessed Day,
Nancy Brown
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By: Nancy Brown
15th Edition October 2006