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.
|
