Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

What is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, or just simply Diabetic Neuropathy is caused when a high blood sugar level is reached frequently over a period of time. Those who suffer from diabetes have trouble keeping their blood sugar level at a normal level and are at risk for neuropathy more so than others. Nerve damage throughout the body results from these extended time periods of having high blood sugar and can cause three different kinds of diabetic neuropathy symptoms.

Types of Diabetic Neuropathy

One kind of diabetic neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy. This means there is damage to the peripheral nerves. These are the nerves that transmit sensations like pain, hot, cold, and touch to the brain and the brain's response back to the extremities. The peripheral nerve damage causes trouble with the legs and arms, hands and feet. Symptoms include painful burning sensations and shooting pains, especially in the toes and fingers. Sometimes the pain levels can be extreme.

Another way that diabetic peripheral neuropathy can affect you is through damage to autonomic nerves. These are the nerves that control involuntary actions such as your heartbeat, digestion, knowing when to go to the bathroom, and even being able to sweat. The symptoms of autonomic neuropathy can cause debilitating consequences to your lifestyle and can steal your independence by making you dependent on others for things like cleaning your house or driving to the market. Some people have severe problems such as breathing difficulties and or being unable to hold feces or urine.

Focal neuropathy is a third kind of diabetic neuropathy that affects only one nerve at a time. When the damage occurs, it is usually quick and takes the sufferer by surprise. These attacks usually take place in the wrist, thigh, or foot. Some people have experienced problems with the nerves in their chest and back while others have also had reported damage to their eye muscles.

Treating and Preventing Diabetic Neuropathy

Over half of all people with diabetes end up with the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. The most important thing for diabetics is stay on top of maintaining their blood sugar levels at all times. If one is already afflicted with severe symptoms, there can be treatments through medication and certain therapies. The very best way to treat diabetic neuropathy is to stay in control of your diabetes through diet, exercise, and keeping track of your sugar levels. Treatments are according to what type of diabetic neuropathy is occurring.

Making sure to practice excellent foot care is a number one way to deter a lot of the foot problems associated with diabetic neuropathy. Charcot foot is one example of the foot problems that can result. Charcot foot is essentially permanent disfigurement of one or both feet, and in most cases requires surgery to correct. Some of those who have suffered problems with their digestive system due to diabetic neuropathy have ended up having to rely on a stomach tube.

For those who are suffering from diabetes and any form of neuropathy associated with diabetes, depression can become a big part of trying to overcome the hardships caused by the symptoms of these conditions. Keep in mind that you are not alone in your fight.