Diabetic Neuropathy – Symptoms and Causes

Diabetic neuropathy refers to a type of nerve damage caused by diabetes. High blood sugar levels can injure nerve fibers throughout your body. About 60 to 70 percent of people with high blood sugar levels are at increased risk of suffering from some form of nerve damage that affects the feet, legs or eyes. It can also affect the nerves that control different bodily functions such as blood pressure, digestion and heart rate. The highest rates of neuropathy are among people who have had diabetes for at least 25 years and this can lead to several complications. However, it is possible to prevent the condition or slow its progress with tight blood sugar control and a healthy lifestyle.

Symptoms

Depending on the type of neuropathy and the affected nerves, symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can range from mild to painful, disabling and even fatal. Prominent symptoms include –

• Numbness, tingling or pain (usually in the feet or hands)
• Abdominal fullness or bloating
• Bladder problems
• Erectile dysfunction in men or vaginal dryness in women
• Indigestion
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swallowing problems

Different Types of Diabetic Neuropathy

The type and location of the nerves affected determine the type of diabetic neuropathy. Various types of the condition include

• Peripheral neuropathy – Known as one of the most common form of diabetic neuropathy, this condition affects the peripheral nerves, mainly the nerves of the toes, legs, feet, hands, and arms.
• Thoracic/lumbar radiculopathy – This is caused by compression or irritation of the nerves as they exit the spine or from tumor or infection. Common symptoms include neck pain and back pain.
• Autonomic neuropathy – This condition mainly affects the autonomic nervous system that controls the heart, bladder, lungs, stomach, intestines, sex organs and eyes.
• Femoral neuropathy – This condition occurs due to femoral nerve dysfunction causing pain or weakness in the thighs, hips or legs, usually on one side of the body. It mostly affects people with Type 2 diabetes.
• Charcot’s joint (neurogenic arthropathy) – It is a degenerative disease that mainly affects one or more joints causing joint instability, swelling and abnormal pain sensation.
• Foot drop – Also called drop foot, this is the inability to lift the front portion of the foot, resulting in the toes being dragged along the ground when walking.

Causes

Persisting high blood sugar levels can damage delicate nerve fibers and cause diabetic neuropathy. High blood sugar level affects the ability of the nerves to transmit signals. It weakens the walls of the small blood vessels (capillaries) that supply the nerves with oxygen and nutrients. Other causes of the condition include inflammation in the nerves, smoking, alcohol use and genetic factors.

Diagnosis

Typically, diabetic neuropathy is diagnosed based on patient symptoms, medical history and a physical exam. As part of the initial diagnosis, your physician is likely to check muscle strength and tone, tendon reflexes, and sensitivity to touch, temperature and vibration. Physicians may also conduct tests like filament test, nerve conduction studies, electromyography (EMG), quantitative sensory testing and autonomic testing. Regular monitoring of blood sugar level is important to prevent or delay the progression of the disease and onset of further problems. Regular physical exercise and a diabetic-friendly diet are critical to maintain safe blood sugar levels.

Treatment for diabetic neuropathy in professional healthcare centers would include physical therapy, chiropractic care and pain management. Treatment is comprehensive with focus on slowing the progression of the disease, managing complications, relieving pain and restoring functional abilities.

As a leading multi-specialty healthcare center in Brooklyn, New York City, HealthQuest offers quality care and sophisticated services. Our unique approach to patient care ensures fast return to a pain-free lifestyle.