Neuropathy – A Diabetes Complication

Neuropathy, a diabetes complication is the damage or injury of the nerves due to decreased blood flow or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels).

Neuropathy happens to patients with diabetes may suffer complications when they get out of control on their blood glucose levels. Temporary or permanent nerve tissue damage or injury can occur. Studies show that about 50% of diabetics will eventually have nerve damage. Some develop the condition early, while others have it later. On an average, nerve damage symptoms begin 10 to 20 years after diabetes detection.

Neuropathy most likely develops in stages. It may affect cranial nerves (skull nerves) or spinal column nerves and their branches. Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves which regulate the vital functions, including smooth and heart muscles. Common areas affected by diabetic peripheral neuropathy are the feet and legs.

Symptoms

Feet nerve damage can result to loss of sensation in the feet. Other symptoms are numbness, tingling, burning and pain.

Neuropathy in patients with diabetes can also be manifested with dizziness, omnipotence, drooping eyelid, drooping face, drooping mouth, loss of bladder control, rapid heart rate, vision changes and speech impairment.

Early detection

Whatever is the illness, detecting its presence early is always beneficial. Diabetic neuropathy can be diagnosed by neurological sensory tests, electrodiagnostic testing or physical examination. Health care providers also test the feet for loss of sensation. The absence of ankle reflexes is a common early finding.

Medications

Neuropathy can be treated with medications which reduce the symptoms in legs, arms and feet. Antidepressant and antiseizure drugs maybe suggested by your doctors. Or drugs that that help with urinary control problems or those that block bladder contractions.

For neuropathy, some doctors prescribe their patients with diabetes drugs which help with vomiting and nausea. Analgesics or pain medications are good for patients short-term, but don’t offer much benefit.

Prevention

Treatment can ease the pain and control symptoms but the disease might continue. It is better not to develop neuropathy in the first place.

Topmost prevention is keep blood sugar at safe levels. Regular exams especially foot exams are necessary. Examining your feet and legs daily, applying lotion if they are dry, caring for your nails and wearing comfortably fitting footwear are good habits that can prevent infections and complications.