Complications of Diabetes: Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)
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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This
information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers
but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical
treatment. You should speak to your physician or make
an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about
this information or your medical condition.