Diabetes is a very difficult disease to keep under control. Blood sugar levels can fluctuate widely, leading to neuropathy issues. Type 2 Diabetes is a disease that raises the blood glucose levels or blood sugar to heights that are very unhealthy and causes a variety of complications. Foods that are eaten, beverages that are taken in, and exercise are all common factors that help to control diabetes. With Type 1 Diabetes, the body no longer makes the hormone that helps break down the blood glucose. Although there are many ways to control blood glucose levels, when these levels get out of control, the diabetic person may experience severe side effects, such as diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is a form of damage to the nerves, generally in the hands and feet. The urinary tract, general blood vessels, the overall digestive system, and even the heart can be affected in very negative ways.
Common Locations for Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetes has a negative effect on the overall body, from head to toe, however, certain areas are more likely to experience diabetic neuropathy than other locations. The feet are a very common area where a patient may experience numbness in toes, the bottom of the feet, or even from the ankle down. Diabetic Neuropathy has a negative effect on approximately 50% of all diabetic patients. There are ways to help slow and prevent complications from Neuropathy, by controlling the overall blood sugar levels and keeping a lowered A1C level. Neuropathy can also have an effect on muscle movements and other sensations, such as feeling cold, heat, or even pain. Internal organs can also be affected. The heart, bladder, intestines, and blood vessels are all areas that can experience a negative effect. Neuropathy in the fingers, hands, feet, and toes can lead to sharp sensations, such as burning, tingling, and numbness. The pain and sensations felt usually start at the furthest away part of limbs and in time can work their way up the limb.
Signs of Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic Neuropathy comes in four different forms and patients may experience only one or up to four of these in combination. Symptoms will vary depending on which part of the body is being affected. Symptoms are generally slow development, beginning with very mild symptoms and gradually getting worse with the further deterioration of nerves. Peripheral neuropathy is also called symmetric peripheral neuropathy and is the most common type experienced by diabetics. Symptoms may worsen at night and symptoms include numbness, tingling, burning sensation, sharp pain, cramps, increased touch sensitivity, ulcers, infections, joint pain, and more. Autonomic neuropathy involves the bladder, intestines, stomach, heart, eyes, and sex organs. The negative effects of Autonomic neuropathy are hypoglycemia, bowel and bladder problems, a slow emptying stomach, trouble with eyes adjusting to the light, and a lessened sexual response. Proximal neuropathy has a negative effect on the nerves located in the hips, legs, buttocks, and thighs. Generally, symptoms only occur on one side of the body and spread over time. Symptoms include severe pain, weakness, and severe stomach pains.
Prevention and Treatment
Checking the body is a very important part of being a diabetic. It is vital to check the feet regularly and make sure feet are inspected by a doctor during a visit. Keeping blood sugar levels under control is the single greatest effort to be made by patients. High blood sugar levels lead to blood vessel damages and this vessel damage is what makes neuropathy occur. Keeping your blood sugar under control and eating lots of vegetables and fruit will help give your blood vessels what they need to prosper. Avoid bad fats and high-carb diets to fend off any hardening of the arteries. Staying active sends blood throughout the body and 30 minutes a day of exercise is a common recommendation from doctors. This activity will pump blood throughout the body, reaching the tips of the fingers and the tips of the toes. Always be certain to wear shoes that fit and are comfortable. Shoes will protect from fungus, scratches, and cuts, and fight infection. Protecting the feet is very important to fight neuropathy.