Diabetic Neuropathy: Understanding Symptoms, Causes, Types and Prevention
Diabetic Neuropathy: Understanding Symptoms, Causes, Types and Prevention
Diabetic neuropathy, a complication that affects nearly 50% of people with diabetes. Most people won’t realise their body is silently developing this condition until it starts affecting them, because diabetic neuropathy doesn’t start with pain, but with the opposite. A burning sensation in the feet, tingling in the hands, or unexplained numbness that seems to come and go are some of the signs of nerve damage associated with diabetes. And this is the damage that’s been silently created over the years.
But the good part is, in most scenarios, diabetic neuropathy is preventable. Let’s understand its symptoms, causes and prevention strategies to be better aware of the condition.
What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar. Over time, the elevated blood glucose level damages the walls of the tiny blood vessels that supply the nerves. Starved of proper blood supply, nerve function starts deteriorating.
Even though diabetic neuropathy can affect nerves throughout the body, the feet, legs and hands are the most affected body parts. Early symptoms may be mild, but nerve damage can gradually become more noticeable if blood sugar remains uncontrolled. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications like foot ulcers and, in severe cases, amputation.
What causes diabetic neuropathy?
As mentioned, the primary cause of diabetic neuropathy is chronic high blood sugar. And it doesn’t happen overnight. It builds up gradually, and several factors can increase the risk of nerve damage.
- Poorly controlled blood glucose levels
- Having diabetes for a long duration
- High blood pressure and high cholestrol
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking
- Kidney diseases
- Nerve damage from other causes
Types of Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is not something that can be categorised as a single condition. It can affect different nerves in different ways, thus not everyone experiences diabetic neuropathy the same way. We, doctors, classify it into four types.
1. Peripheral neuropathy:
This is the most common form of diabetic neuropathy. At first, it affects the feet and legs and later involves the hands and arms. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include tingling (something like a pins-and-needles sensation), burning or sharp pain, numbness, increased sensitivity to touch, and muscle weakness. These symptoms often worsen at night. As neurologists, we suggest diabetic people to regularly check their feet for cuts, blisters and wounds.
2. Autonomic neuropathy:
This type affects the nerves controlling internal organs. Depending on the nerve involved, the damage influences involuntary body functions, including digestion, heart rate, blood pressure and bladder function. Likewise, symptoms also vary. Constipation or diarrhoea, nausea, difficulty emptying the bladder, dizziness when standing, abnormal sweating and changes in heart rate are a few of those
3. Proximal neuropathy:
This is often less common and typically affects nerves in the thighs, hips, buttocks or legs. It can cause sudden, severe pain and muscle weakness, particularly on one side of the body. In some cases, people may experience difficulty in standing up from a sitting position
4. Focal Neuropathy:
This appears suddenly and targets a specific nerve or a group of nerves. Symptoms usually appear in the wrist, thigh, or face and cause pain or weakness in that particular part of the body.
Warning signs of diabetic neuropathy
As this condition creeps in slowly, spotting the warning signs early can help the patient to get better treatment. Depending on the type of neuropathy and the nerve affected, symptoms vary. However, watch out for some of these common warning signs.
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- Sharp, burning, or stabbing pain
- Reduced ability to feel pain, heat, or cold
- Muscle weakness or loss of coordination
- Digestive troubles, dizziness, or unexplained sweating changes
If these symptoms persist or worsen, it’s worth getting checked rather than assuming they are a normal part of ageing or diabetes and letting things worsen.
How Can Diabetic Neuropathy Be Prevented?
- Keep the blood sugar level in range. Follow your prescribed diabetes treatment plan recommended by your healthcare professional diligently. .
- Manage blood pressure and cholesterol, as High blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels can contribute to nerve and blood vessel damage.
- Stay active and maintain a healthy weight. A balanced diet and regular physical activity can support overall diabetes management and nerve health.
- Cut back on alcohol and avoid smoking. Smoking can affect blood circulation, while excessive alcohol consumption may contribute to nerve damage.
- Check your feet daily. Look for reduced sensation in your feet and inspect them every day for cuts, blisters, redness or sores. Wear comfortable, well-fitting footwear and seek medical attention for wounds that do not heal.
Bottom line
Diabetic neuropathy is a serious complication and is a direct consequence of unmanaged blood sugar over time. Consistent monitoring of blood sugar, a healthy lifestyle, and following regular medical check-ups go a long way in significantly lowering its risk and protecting your overall health. If you are a diabetic and notice new or worsening symptoms, speak with your healthcare professional for appropriate evaluation and treatment.
Authored by Dr. Safal Sachidananda Shetty, an Interventional Neurologist & Stroke Expert in Bangalore with extensive clinical experience in stroke intervention, brain aneurysms, and complex neurovascular disorders. His mission is to educate, prevent, and provide advanced neurologic care using the latest medical innovations and minimally invasive procedures.