Understanding Diabetic Neuropathy: Signs and Symptoms.

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur if you have diabetes. High blood sugar (glucose) can injure nerves throughout your body, but diabetic neuropathy most often damages nerves in your legs and feet. Depending on the affected nerves, diabetic neuropathy symptoms can range from pain and numbness in your extremities to problems with your digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels, and heart. Some people have mild symptoms, but for others, diabetic neuropathy can be quite painful and disabling.

Types of Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is categorized into four main types. You can have one or more types of neuropathy.

1. Peripheral Neuropathy
2. Autonomic Neuropathy
3. Radiculoplexus Neuropathy (Diabetic Amyotrophy)
4. Mononeuropathy

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy, the most common type of diabetic neuropathy, affects the feet and legs first, followed by the hands and arms. Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy often worsen at night, and may include:

• Numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes
• Tingling or burning sensation
• Sharp pains or cramps
• Increased sensitivity to touch
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of reflexes, especially in the ankle
• Loss of balance and coordination
• Serious foot problems, such as ulcers, infections, and bone and joint pain

Autonomic Neuropathy

The autonomic nervous system controls your heart, bladder, stomach, intestines, sex organs, and eyes. Diabetes can affect nerves in any of these areas, possibly causing:

• Bladder or bowel problems

  • Urinary tract infections or urinary retention
  • Constipation, diarrhea, or uncontrolled bowel movements

• Digestive issues

  • Feeling full after eating small amounts of food
  • Loss of appetite
  • Bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
  • Difficulty swallowing

• Heart and blood vessel problems

  • A drop in blood pressure after sitting or standing that may cause dizziness or fainting (orthostatic hypotension)
  • Increased heart rate while at rest

• Sexual dysfunction

  • Erectile dysfunction in men
  • Vaginal dryness and other sexual difficulties in women

• Sweat glands problems

  • Too much or too little sweating
  • Inability of your body to adjust blood pressure and body temperature

Radiculoplexus Neuropathy (Diabetic Amyotrophy)

This type of neuropathy affects nerves in the thighs, hips, buttocks, or legs. It's more common in people with type 2 diabetes and older adults. Symptoms are usually on one side of the body, but can spread to the other side. Symptoms may include:

• Sudden, severe pain in the hip, thigh, or buttock
• Eventual weak and shrinking thigh muscles
• Difficulty rising from a sitting position
• Abdominal swelling if the abdomen is affected
• Weight loss

Mononeuropathy

Mononeuropathy involves damage to a specific nerve in the face, torso, or leg. Mononeuropathy may also be called focal neuropathy. It's most common in older adults. Symptoms may include:

• Sudden, severe pain in the chest or abdomen
• Difficulty focusing or double vision
• Aching behind one eye
• Paralysis on one side of your face (Bell’s palsy)

Although mononeuropathy can cause severe pain, it usually doesn’t cause long-term problems. Symptoms typically diminish and disappear on their own over a few weeks or months.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical care if you notice:

• A cut or sore on your foot that’s infected or won’t heal
• Burning, tingling, weakness, or pain in your hands or feet that interferes with daily activities or sleep
• Dizziness
• Changes in digestion, urination, or sexual function

Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best chance for controlling symptoms and preventing more-severe problems. If you don’t control your blood sugar, you could worsen and have a higher risk of complications.

Conclusion

Diabetic neuropathy is a serious complication that can significantly impact your quality of life. Understanding the signs and symptoms can help in early diagnosis and treatment, which is crucial for managing the condition effectively. If you have diabetes and experience any of the symptoms mentioned, consult your healthcare provider promptly.