Diabetes FAQ » Forms of Diabetes » Neuropathy

Neuropathy

This is a condition that often is felt by those with diabetes. It involves damage to the nerves that results in sensations of heat, cold or pain. While there can be different ways that diabetes contributes to such damage to the nerves, the most frequent cause is generally related to the problem of high levels of glucose in the blood for too long of a period. Thus the cells don’t get the nutrients they need and damage follows. And the result can be a loss of sensations in the hands and feet. It can result too at times in a pain that is very severe. This will be something that can cause a great deal of discomfort to a person. As a rule there are four different types of diabetic neuropathy. These are diabetic peripheral neuropathy, proximal neuropathy, focal neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease. Each has its own ways it affects the body and the problems it causes. There is no one type that can be ruled out when it comes to a risk a person might experience from having too high of blood sugar for too long of a period. So naturally trying to keep the blood sugar level under control is the best way to help with this condition.

The symptoms with each type of neuropathy will vary as to where it happens to afflict the body. With neuropathy as a rule it is very common to experience things like numbness, tingling, either may last for a long time or be very severe, burning sensations and pain. It may with some situations lead to sore or injuries to the feet. Which is why it is very important to observe one’s feet condition for any possible changes. Of a lesser symptom could be the problem of a lack of sensitivity in either the arms, abdomen and back. And depending on the given type of neuropathy one might expect problems to be noticed with any area of the body. This can also result in muscle weakness, possible double vision or even pain to the face. And with peripheral arterial disease the problem can relate to a narrowing of the arteries so they restrict the flow of blood.

Thus should any symptoms occur the person would need to consult one’s doctor. The problem will most often require more attention to the problem of monitoring the blood sugar level. One the damage has been done it can’t be undone, but the person can take steps to try and not let it get any worse. Which involves following the doctors recommendations in regards to blood sugar control. And that can also involve any changes in medications that might affect the problem of neuropathy. Plus to be sure all the proper precautions are taken in terms of using the right kind of foot ware that will protect the feet from possible cuts.

With neuropathy one can’t ignore the problem. The pain will not go away by just ignoring it. That will only make it worse. Whatever problems have developed to the body from this condition need to be treated as serious and doing what doctor recommends to be sure they don’t get left untreated or diagnosed. That means being sure that any problems are told to the doctor when they occur. And to not let cuts or sore that don’t heal in a timely manner go unnoticed. It might require some additional time and monitoring, but the importance can’t be ignored. Thus like with so many problems this will be one more condition the diabetic will need to recognize when the symptoms occur. Then to report them to one’s health provider as the situation occurs.

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