Understanding neuropathy due to diabetes

This is a very common complication for those people who suffer from diabetes. Diabetes neuropathy refers to the damage to the nerves which causes a person to be unable to feel any sensations such as the feeling of pain. Diabetes damage can attack certain nerves in the nerve system. The effect is related to blood sugar levels which remain too high for too long a period of time.

Causes

Nerve injuries are caused by decreased blood flow and high blood sugar levels. They are more likely to develop if blood sugar levels are not well controlled .About half of people with diabetes will develop nerve damage.

Clinical manifestation of symptoms

Symptoms often develop slowly depending on the nerves that are affected.

•          Problem in digesting food
•          Feeling full after eating  a small amount of food
•          Nausea, constipation, or diarrhea
•          Throwing up food you have eaten a few hours after a meal
•          Burning in the arms and legs (toes and feet)
•          Deep pain in limbs
•          Have a fast heart rate
•          Sexual problems
•          Bladder problems.
•          A lack of reflexes in the ankle
•          A loss of feeling in the feet
•          Changes in the skin
•          Drop in blood pressure when you stand up after sitting or lying down

 Investigations:

Diabetes is the leading known cause of neuropathy in developed countries, and neuropathy is the most common complication and greatest source of morbidity and mortality in diabetes patients. The investigations hold prime importance in reaching the exact cause and thus imparting a positive long lasting treatment to the patient. Certain tests like time to time blood sugar, electromyogram and nerve conduction study effectively diagnose the disease. Skin biopsy is often requires when there are chances of destruction skin and soft tissues.

Treatment

The first step in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy is to bring blood glucose levels within the normal range to prevent further nerve damage. Blood glucose monitoring, meal planning, exercise, and oral drugs or insulin injections are needed to control blood glucose levels.

Drugs used for depression and epilepsy are often found to give good results during diabetic neuropathy treatments. Nausea and vomiting can be managed with simple precautions like head raise when sleeping and eating frequent meals but small in quantity. Pain relievers and nerve vitamins are good to attenuate the pain and provide nutrition to the nerve.

What are the precautions you must take?

To ensure that the treatment actually works for you, there are some measures to be taken in day to day life. Controlling the blood glucose is primary followed by adequate use of insulin if advised. Foot care, nail care and use of well fitted foot wear which lets your foot breathe are essentially important.