Complications of Diabetes: Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)
Complications of Diabetes: Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)
www.med.umich.edu
What is diabetic neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is a long term complication of diabetes that occurs when the nerves are damaged.
The most common type of diabetic neuropathy is called peripheral neuropathy. The peripheral nerves are the nerves that go out from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, skin, internal organs, and glands. Peripheral neuropathy damages these sensory and motor nerves.
Diabetic neuropathy can also affect the nerves that regulate other vital functions, such as heart rate and digestion. These nerves make up the autonomic nervous system. This type of problem is called autonomic neuropathy.
How does it occur?
The nerves are affected when blood sugar levels are high over a period of time.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:
numbness and loss of feeling (usually first in the feet or hands)
slower reflexes
pain varying from minor discomfort or tingling sensations in fingers and toes to severe pain; pain may be sharp or lightninglike, deep aches that make sleep or daily activities difficult, or sensitive skin that responds to the slightest touch
weak muscles.
The symptoms of autonomic neuropathy include:
low blood pressure and dizziness when you rise quickly from sitting or lying down
rapid or irregular heartbeats
nausea or vomiting
difficulty swallowing
constipation and diarrhea
trouble having an erection or orgasm
trouble emptying your bladder.
How is it treated?
There is no specific treatment for neuropathy. There are, however, medications and other treatments to relieve the symptoms. Keeping your blood sugar close to normal may help to decrease the pain.
How can I take care of myself?
Neuropathy interacts with other diabetes-related complications. For example, if you have lost feeling in your feet and legs, you need to protect and care for your feet.
How long will the effects last?
Because neuropathy is a complication of diabetes, the risk of neuropathy will continue as long as you have diabetes. The symptoms may get better with treatment.
How can I help prevent diabetic neuropathy?
The best way to help prevent diabetic neuropathy is to keep your blood sugar as close to normal as is safe for you. Maintaining normal blood pressure also helps. Smoking and alcohol use increase your risk for damage to your nerves and circulation.
Information provided (reviewed) by Martha Funnell, MS, RN, CDE, Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Center, October, 2002.
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