Nerve damage in Diabetes
Diabetic neuropathy can be simply described as the damage of nerves that is found in people that have diabetes. Since diabetes is associated with high levels of blood sugar, it is common to find that when the levels are so high they can damage some nerves in the body but in this particular case, it targets the feet as well as the hands. Diabetes complications that affect the nerves are mainly four in number and they include proximal, peripheral, focal and autonomic.
Proximal neuropathy – The pain experienced by a diabetic with this nerve complication is usually on a particular side in the body, affecting the nerves in the thighs, buttocks and hips. The nerves in the legs that are affected tend to weaken them resulting in decreased mobility.
Peripheral neuropathy – This is the most common and its symptoms are usually evident in the feet, hands, legs and arms with the lower limbs being affected first. When the nerves in the feet are damaged, they lose sensation there by increasing the risk of the development of sores or injuries that may go unnoticed resulting in foot problems.
Focal neuropathy – This type of nerve damage is known to appear suddenly and damage specific nerves especially those in the legs, torso or head resulting in pain and weakness in the muscles. However, it tends to improve over time and does not leave damage that will be felt in the long term
Autonomic neuropathy – This type of nerve damage in diabetics affects their digestive system particularly the urinary system, stomach, blood vessels and even sex organs among others. When the nerves in these areas are affected their functions are impaired thus affecting the overall working of the body.
The causes of diabetic neuropathy are varied and are usually a combination of different factors that play a role in its development in the body. Some of the factors that are known to contribute to either of these types of neuropathy in diabetics include the exposure of nerves to blood sugar levels that are high resulting in the damage of their fibers that are delicate and affects the manner in which they transmit signals. In addition, the symptoms of diabetes that affects the nerves are also varied and depend on the specific type which is points out the exact nerves that have been damaged. Most times the nerves are affected gradually, with many diabetics realizing that their nerves have been damaged after it has progressed considerably.
The treatment of nerve damage in diabetics is available but prevention is encouraged to be able to avoid the development of such complications. However, for those that are already exhibiting some of the symptoms, the best option is to have tests done by a doctor and a diagnosis provided. In case the result is positive then the treatments available focus on relieving pain, slowing disease progression, management of complications as well as restoring function since there is no cure that has been made available to completely get rid of the disease.