Understanding Diabetic Neuropathy: Causes, Symptoms & Management

Type 2 diabetes is a serious health condition that can cause extensive nerve damage if blood sugar levels are not regulated. Nerve damage can cause extensive damage to the extremities and in some instances, may result in amputation.

Effects

• Diabetic nerve damage (neuropathy) affects peripheral nerves, which places all organs at risk. Nerve damage is expressed through sensorimotor and autonomic neuropathies.

Sensorimotor Neuropathy

• Sensorimotor nerve damage is characterized by problems with the feet and hands; symptoms include hot or cold sensations, burning or stabbing pains, numbness, weak muscles and open sores on the legs. The condition is diagnosed by annual exams that check the extremities.

Autonomic Neuropathy

• Autonomic neuropathy affects the nerves that control bodily functioning, including the sex organs, heart and blood vessels, sweat glands, eyes, digestive system and the urinary tract. The condition can cause blindness, heart and kidney disease, and damage to gastrointestinal functioning.

Prevention/Solution

• Low blood sugar levels are important to preventing nerve damage. Proper nutrition, daily exercise, low body weight and regular checkups are important to maintaining overall health.

Treatment

• Strict glucose control is necessary to treat neuropathy and in some cases, it can reverse nerve damage. Tryclic antidepressants and antiepileptic drugs are also prescribed to treat pain caused by nerve damage.