Diabetic Neuropathy – Causes and Consequences

Focal neuropathy

Unlike other types of neuropathy, diabetic focal neuropathy is often unrelated to other microvascular problems. However, many people with diabetes may have the symptom of a neuropathy. Diabetic patients may experience symptoms of pain in the legs, feet, and back. These symptoms come on quickly and can be debilitating. Unlike other types of neuropathy, there is no specific cure for this condition. Although it is possible to make lifestyle changes to lessen the chances of developing the disease, there are no sure-fire methods of prevention.

People with diabetes may experience the symptoms of diabetic focal neuropathy if they have any of these risk factors. It is important to talk with your healthcare provider to discuss the risks and effects of diabetes. Your healthcare provider may look at your medical history, glycemic control, and other symptoms, and may also evaluate your muscle strength, tendon reflexes, and sensitivity to temperature and touch. Various testing procedures may be performed to determine if there is any risk for the condition.

Other symptoms of diabetic autonomic neuropathy include bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, patients may experience urinary incontinence and difficulty swallowing. Although symptoms are generally non-specific, early diagnosis is critical for recovery. Diabetic neuropathy can also affect your sexual life. Proper foot care is vital to prevent this condition. Similarly, diabetes can affect your sex life, which means regular checkups can save your life.

This condition occurs when the nerves in one particular area of the body are damaged due to high blood sugar. The nerves can become damaged and trapped in tiny blood vessels. In some cases, patients can experience pain when moving the affected eye. Patients have also reported experiencing chest pain and abdominal discomfort, which are often confused with symptoms of heart disease and appendicitis. Fortunately, diabetic focal neuropathy usually recovers on its own within several weeks.

Unlike proximal neuropathy, diabetic amyotrophy generally affects the legs and hips, but can also affect the torso and hands. In contrast, proximal neuropathy affects peripheral nerves in the legs and causes muscle weakness and pain. However, the symptoms of focal neuropathy can come on suddenly and get worse over time. Most people will notice improvement within a few years of diagnosis.

Proximal neuropathy

If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, you might be concerned about your deteriorating sensations and muscle strength. Diabetic proximal neuropathy is a disorder that affects the nerves and small blood vessels that nourish them. Symptoms typically worsen over time, and sometimes don't go away at all. Your healthcare provider will evaluate your health history, glycemic control, and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may also perform additional tests.

Treatment for proximal neuropathy involves improving blood glucose control and managing other risk factors associated with the disease. Blood glucose levels should be managed to prevent further nerve damage and to improve the overall quality of life. In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications or recommend other treatments to reduce the symptoms and prevent further damage. Depending on the type of neuropathy, medications and daily aerobic exercises may also be prescribed. Although neuropathy treatments vary from one person to another, they can all benefit a patient's quality of life.

Patients with proximal neuropathy were diagnosed at an earlier stage, and a number of symptoms could have been present for years. Subacute proximal neuropathy was often accompanied by weight loss. Patients with proximal neuropathy generally had decreased reflexes in the lower extremities. Neurological examinations revealed axonal degeneration and demyelination in more than 90% of cases, although less common. In addition, patients with proximal neuropathy had diffuse autonomic failure.

Other forms of diabetic neuropathy include subacute and acute. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can range from pain and tingling to loss of sensation in the feet and legs. While most diabetic patients have no symptoms, complications may occur when diabetes reaches the nerves controlling involuntary functions, such as digestion and urination. However, if your condition becomes severe and progressive, immunotherapy may be recommended.

A comprehensive foot examination is important to detect and treat diabetic neuropathy. A doctor will examine the skin, muscles, and bones of the feet and assess blood circulation, and determine how much sensation is present in your feet. Some doctors use a nylon monofilament to measure the protective sensation in the foot. People without protective sensation are more susceptible to foot sores. This condition can cause ulcers and lead to the need for amputation.

Treatment

A review of the causes and consequences of diabetic neuropathy concluded that the main consequence was an increased risk of falls. This increased risk may make it beneficial for diabetic clients to participate in balance and falls prevention programs. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and improve overall health. The treatment plan will vary based on symptoms and severity. For example, patients may be advised to do daily aerobic exercises to improve circulation and protect their nerves. Other treatments may include the use of transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation or plasma exchange.

Psychological interventions for diabetes-related pain include biofeedback, cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnosis, and operant behavioral therapy. Psychological interventions may be helpful in conjunction with medications, although a clinical trial is not available for all patients. Medications that increase or decrease opioid production may increase the risk of adverse events. Likewise, some studies have suggested that psychotherapy may reduce neuropathy symptoms, but caution is necessary.

The treatment of diabetic neuropathy will depend on which type of nerves is affected by the disease. Some neuropathy types are proximal, which affects nerves along a specific distribution, such as the chest wall. Mononeuropathies affect one particular nerve. Diabetics may experience pain and tingling on one or both sides of the body. This can make it difficult to walk or stand, and increase the risk of falling. Additionally, diabetic neuropathy can cause other symptoms, such as difficulty urinating or urinary tract function.

The first clinical sign of diabetic symmetrical sensory neuropathy is a reduced vibratory and pinprick sensation in the toes. Over time, the affected part may extend upward and into the arms or legs. Eventually, the affected person may lose sensation in the chest. Other symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include numbness, tingling, or burning. Further, all symptoms are worse at night and during a meal.

Diabetic neuropathy can be caused by poor blood sugar control, the increasing length of time a patient has had diabetes, or other complications of the disease. Diabetic neuropathy can affect sensory, motor, or autonomic nerves. The symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can include burning sensations, and can even lead to amputation of extremities. If left untreated, diabetic neuropathy can result in painful ulcers and other complications.