What is Diabetic Neuropathy?

Diabetic Neuropathy, is a common complication of diabetes, is a nerve disorder caused by diabetes and/or poor blood sugar control. There are a number of ways that diabetes damages the nerves, but they all seem related to blood glucose being too high for a long period of time. Diabetes-related nerve damage can be painful.

The most common types result in problems with sensation in the feet. It can develop slowly after many years of diabetes or may occur early in the disease. The symptoms are numbness, pain, or tingling in the feet or lower legs. The pain can be intense and require treatment to relieve the discomfort. The loss of sensation in the feet may also increase the possibility that foot injuries will go unnoticed and develop into ulcers or lesions that become infected. In some cases, diabetic neuropathy can be associated with difficulty walking and some weakness in the foot muscles.

About half of the people who have diabetes will get diabetic neuropathy. So you can see why it is so important to get that blood sugar under control!

* Tingling or numbness in the fingers, toes or legs
* Feeling of cold, burning or pain in the hands, feet or legs
* Extreme sensitivity to touch, even a light touch
* Sharp pains or cramps
* Loss of balance and coordination

These symptoms are often worse at night

Other symptoms may include:

• Digestive problems, such as bloating, belching, constipation, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and belly pain.
• Heavy Sweating at night or when certain foods are eaten.
• Reduced Sweating, especially in their feet and legs.
• Problems with Urination - It may be hard to tell when your bladder is full, or it may be hard to empty your bladder completely.
• Sexual problems, such as erection problems in men and vaginal dryness in women.
• Poor Circulation - Heart and blood vessel problems, which may cause dizziness, weakness, or fainting when you stand or sit up from a reclining position.
• Trouble sensing when your blood sugar is low.

Doctors can't test for all types of nerve damage. So it’s important to tell your doctor about any pain or weakness you feel. Also mention any of the above symptoms that you may notice.

You may find relief through the use of non-drug-based pain management, including hypnosis, relaxation training, biofeedback, acupuncture and transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation, or TENS, which uses small amounts of electricity to block pain signals. Simple things like walking regularly or the use of elastic stockings may also help alleviate leg pain.