What is Diabetic Neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur in people with diabetes. High blood sugar levels over time can injure nerves throughout the body, but diabetic neuropathy most often affects nerves in the legs and feet.
In fact, Diabetic neuropathy is not a disease itself; it is a severe condition that results from the underlying disease of diabetes and needs to be properly managed and treated to stop further complications.
Many people with diabetes are prone to diabetic neuropathy. But with a healthy lifestyle and constant blood sugar control, it's possible to prevent diabetic neuropathy or reduce its progression.
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Types of Diabetic Neuropathy
There are four basic kinds of neuropathy in diabetes patients:
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Autonomic neuropathy
- Proximal neuropathy
- Focal neuropathy
Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy
The following are common signs and symptoms of the various forms of diabetic neuropathy:
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When To See A Doctor?
Seek medical attention if you:
- Have persistent or worsening symptoms like numbness, tingling, or pain.
- Experience foot problems, difficulty walking, or balance issues.
- Develop gastrointestinal, bladder, or sexual dysfunction.
- Notice new symptoms or changes in vision.
- Need preventive foot care due to diabetes.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing complications.
Causes of Diabetic Neuropathy
- Prolonged High Blood Sugar Levels : Persistent hyperglycemia can lead to nerve damage.
- High Cholesterol Levels : Elevated cholesterol can impair blood vessels, affecting nerve health.
- Physical Trauma : Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome can cause nerve damage.
- Lifestyle Choices : Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to neuropathy.
- Vitamin B-12 Deficiency : Inadequate vitamin B-12 intake can lead to nerve damage. Metformin, a common diabetes medication, can decrease vitamin B-12 levels.
By addressing these causes through proper management and lifestyle adjustments, the risk and impact of diabetic neuropathy can be minimised.
Risk Factors of Diabetic Neuropathy
Anyone with diabetes is susceptible to neuropathy, but these risk factors increase the possibility of nerve damage:
- High Blood Pressure : Damages blood vessels and reduces blood supply to nerves.
- High Cholesterol : This leads to plaque buildup, restricting blood flow to nerves.
- Poor Blood Sugar Control : Frequent high blood sugar increases the risk.
- Long Diabetes History : Prolonged diabetes, especially with high blood sugar, raises the likelihood.
- Kidney Disease : Damaged kidneys release toxins that harm nerves.
- Genetics : A family history of diabetes or neuropathy increases susceptibility.
- Age : Older people with diabetes are more likely to experience nerve damage.
- Overweight : A higher BMI (25 or above) increases the risk.
- Smoking : Reduces blood flow to feet and legs, harming nerves and slowing wound healing.
Preventions Tips
- Maintain blood sugar levels within the prescribed limit
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight as per your height
- Give up smoking
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Regular medical check-ups
- Stress management
- Manage cholesterol levels
Diagnosis of Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathies are diagnosed by knowing the patient's medical history, undergoing a clinical examination, taking blood tests, taking blood glucose tests, and performing additional laboratory tests. The diabetic neuropathy diagnosis consists:
- Checking the reflexes and muscle power of the patient.
- Evaluate the muscles' sensitivity to vibration, temperature, posture, and light touch.
- Ultrasound test to monitor the condition of the urinary tract.
- Muscle response to electrical impulses can be measured via electromyography (EMG).
- Nerve conduction studies check the flow of electrical current through a nerve.
- Skin biopsies to evaluate cutaneous nerve innervation.
- Nerve and muscle biopsies for histopathological evaluation.
Treatment for Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is incurable. Slowing the progression of the illness and easing painful symptoms are treatment objectives. Keeping blood glucose levels under control will reduce further damage.
The treatment focuses on reducing pain and discomfort and also helps to prevent more tissue damage. The treatment may include:
- Pain medications
- Antidepressants to ease pain and discomfort
- Skin creams
- Transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy
- Hypnosis
- Acupuncture
- Relaxation training
- Biofeedback
- Special shoes to safeguard feet from injuries
Do’s and Don’ts of Anal Fistula:
Diabetic Neuropathy Care at Medicover Hospitals
At Medicover hospitals, our endocrinologists specialise in treating diabetic neuropathy with care. Our skilled medical team uses the latest techniques and technology to ensure complete care and faster recovery for our patients.
We take a multidisciplinary approach to treating diabetic neuropathy. Our goal is to provide personalised care to each patient, helping them achieve sustained recovery and improved quality of life.
Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
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Frequently Asked Questions
The most common symptoms that require emergency care are:
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
- Sharp, jabbing, or burning pain.
- Muscle weakness or heaviness.
- Sensitivity to touch or temperature.
- Loss of balance and coordination.
Diabetic neuropathy cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be managed. Controlling blood sugar levels and leading a healthy lifestyle can help reduce symptoms and prevent further nerve damage.
Diabetic neuropathy is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and tests, such as:
- Nerve conduction studies
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Sensory testing
- Blood tests to check for underlying conditions.
Diabetes can damage nerves by:
- Prolonged high blood sugar levels damage the nerve fibres.
- Impairing blood flow to the nerves due to damaged blood vessels.
- High blood sugar causes metabolic and autoimmune conditions that result in nerve inflammation.
Endocrinologists, who specialise in diabetes and hormone-related disorders, and neurologists, who specialise in nerve disorders, typically treat diabetic neuropathy.
Yes, with proper management of blood sugar levels, a healthy lifestyle, and regular medical care, individuals with diabetic neuropathy can live a long and healthy life.
Food to avoid
- Sugary foods and drinks (sweets, sodas).
- Refined carbs (white bread, pasta, rice).
- Trans fats (fried foods, margarine).
- Processed foods high in sodium.
- Alcohol (limit or avoid).
The best treatment includes:
- Good blood sugar control.
- Medications for pain relief (antidepressants, anticonvulsants, pain relievers).
- Topical treatments (capsaicin cream).
- Physical therapy.
- Foot care to prevent complications.
Medications that can help manage diabetic neuropathy include:
- Gabapentin or Pregabalin (anti-seizure medications)
- Duloxetine or Venlafaxine (antidepressants)
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Topical treatments such as capsaicin cream
Always consult with your doctor for personalised treatment recommendations.
