Diabetic neuropathy. Symptoms, complications, treatment, prevention.
Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy may vary depending on the organs and  tissues affected. Although quite often the individual suffers no symptoms at all, in some cases, the onset of pain may be sudden and severe. Typically, symptoms are minor at the first stages. Since nerve damage may progress slowly overtime, mild chronic cases can be neglected or undiagnosed for a long period of time.
Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy may include:
 Pain, numbness or tingling sensation in the legs, arms, feet, hands, toes and fingers.
Dysesthesia or hypesthesia. The latest is a decrease or loss of sensation to a particular part of the body.
Vision changes.
Vomiting, nausea and indigestion due to gastroparesis.
Constipation or diarrhea due to inappropriate intestinal function.
Facial paresis.
Drooping of eyelid or mouth.
Speech impairment.
Disphagia. This is swallowing difficulty.
Muscle weakness and fasciculations.
Dizziness which may lead to faintness due to postural hypotension.
Urination problems, such as urinary incontinence.
Although unintentional weight loss and depression are symptoms pathologically not related to diabetic neuropathy, occasionally, they accompany this condition.
Complications of diabetic neuropathy.
In people with diabetic neuropathy, there is an increased risk of feet injuries because of impaired sensation. Small infections can progress to ulceration. This problem, if untreated may lead to gangrene and consequently, to amputation. In addition, motor nerve damage can lead to muscle breakdown and imbalance.
Problems may also occur in every organ or system, including the urinary or digestive tract, heart and sex organs.
Due to nerve damage a decreased control of the bladder muscles can occur, resulting in a condition called neurogenic bladder.
Sexual disorders, such as erectile dysfunction or decreased vaginal lubrication may establish because of diabetic neuropathy.
Treatment and prevention of diabetic neuropathy.
The goals of diabetic neuropathy treatment are to prevent progression and reduce the symptoms of the disease. Strict control of blood glucose level prevents the development of neuropathy in 60% of type 1 diabetes cases, decreases the severity of symptoms and, in some cases, eliminates the unwanted consequences of the disease.
Medication is prescribed very often, in order to relief pain or to control other problems caused by diabetic neuropathy. Studies have given evidence that biotin, vitamin B1 and inositol can contribute to treatment of diabetic neuropathy.
Regular foot exams are important, as they will assist a specialist to identify small infections and prevent
deterioration. It has been already mentioned that if foot ulcers are neglected for a long time, amputation may be inevitable.
Cessation of smoking is always of great benefit in terms of treatment and prevention of diabetic neuropathy. |
