Diabetic neuropathy is a medical condition that's usually characterized by different types of nerve damage associated with diabetes mellitus. Its symptoms often depend on the site of nerve damage and may include numbness, weakness, pain or tingling, and even autonomic changes like urinary symptoms.
Presently, there is no cure for this condition, but there is still more to explore that will enlighten you about the condition.
What's Diabetic Neuropathy?
As explained earlier, diabetic neuropathy is referred to as damage that occurs in the nerves due to the presence of excessive sugar in the blood (diabetes). Generally, the function of nerves is to transmit electrical impulses from the brain to other body parts; however, any injury, such as diabetic neuropathy, may lead to an abnormality in the impulse transmission.
Also, besides transmitting impulses, our nerves function as a signaling system for body sensation and assist in body movement (controlling some specific functions like digestion, perspiration, and homeostasis maintenance). Imagine that diabetes disrupts the delicate balance of these structures in the human body. Without further discussion, you already know that the consequences that will arise will be profound.
Types of Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy can be classified into different groups depending on the type of nerve that is affected. Types include:
● Peripheral Neuropathy: From the name “peripheral” this type often affects the nerves supplying the extremities, i.e., the feet, legs, and sometimes the hand.
● Autonomic Neuropathy: This type affects the human autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for reflex activities such as blood pressure, heart rate, bladder control, and digestion.
● Proximal Neuropathy: this is commonly called amyotrophy, and it impacts the nerves supplying the thighs, hips, buttocks, and shoulders, resulting in muscle weakness and pain.
● Focal Neuropathy/Mononeuropathy: focal neuropathy is the type that leads to sudden, localized dysfunction of a single nerve, causing muscle weakness and pain.
What Causes Diabetic Neuropathy?
Diabetes has a hierarchy! Meaning that, in some stages, it can still be managed. However, diabetes that's left untreated will result in hyperglycemia (high level of glucose in the blood), which can later advance to the point of damaging the nerves. According to the diabetic neuropathy ICD-10 classification edition, it's a disorder that is found within the E11 category, which particularly relates to insulin-independent diabetes mellitus (type 2).
Risk Factors for Diabetic Neuropathy
The number one risk factor for diabetic neuropathy is diabetes; people with diabetes are most likely to develop it. However, there are some other conditions as well that can expose someone to the risk of neuropathy:
● Smoking: “Smokers are liable to die young.” This is a warning you should likely have come across on cigarette packs. The complications that arise with smoking are numerous, some of which are ischemia, i.e., restriction or reduced blood flow to some body parts, which can result in difficulty in wound healing and damage to the nerves.
● Poor Blood Sugar Control: Abnormalities in blood sugar levels can increase the danger of every diabetes complication, including nerve damage.
● Renal Failure or Disease: People with diabetes mostly fall victim to renal infections. Once this occurs, toxins that should be excreted properly will be carried into the blood, supplying the nerves, thus resulting in nerve damage.
● Body Weight: A body mass index of 25 and above is another factor that may enhance the risk of diabetic neuropathy.
Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms
Diabetic neuropathy symptoms may vary, depending on the type and severity of nerve damage that occurs. Generally, common manifestations include:
● Tingling or numbness in the extremities, especially the feet and hands.
● Increased pain sensitivity along with a burning sensation.
● Muscle weakness
● Difficulty in the healing of foot or leg ulcers.
● Total loss of sensation in the feet.
Overall, these symptoms not only affect the physical well-being of individuals but also contribute to emotional distress and a diminished quality of life.
Diagnosis for Diabetic Neuropathy
Foot examination is the most commonly adopted diagnosis method for diabetes neuropathy in Türkiye. During this procedure, the provider will observe the feet thoroughly to check if there are sores (ulcers), blisters, or injuries. Also, the feet may be examined with special instruments to check for sensitivity.
In some cases too, they may perform a nerve conduction study, and if the provider detects nerve damage, you may have an electromyogram (EMG), the test used for measuring electrical activities or nerve responses.
Complications of Diabetic Neuropathy
Complications that may develop from this condition include:
● Hypoglycemia Unawareness: Hypoglycemia usually results in shakiness, a fast heartbeat, and excessive sweating. However, people suffering from autonomic neuropathy may not experience such.
● Infection of the Urinary Tract: Damage to the nerve may cause urinary tract infection or incontinence (inability to urinate or control the muscles that release urine).
● Increased or Decreased Sweating: Diabetes neuropathy can also impact the sweat glands, thereby making it difficult for the body to regulate temperature.
● Rapid Decrease in Blood Pressure: Blood pressure regulation may be tampered with, especially if it's autonomic neuropathy. The affected individual can experience a sharp pressure drop, which may then result in lightheadedness and fainting.
Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment
Diabetic neuropathy treatment in Istanbul has been a major issue of concern for a very long time. However, there's currently no exact cure for diabetic neuropathy, but you can prevent or slow its progression. This is mostly done in two ways: by keeping your blood sugar healthy and by taking proper care of your feet.
● Blood Sugar Management: Blood sugar levels can be checked using an instrument known as a glucometer. A glucometer is a portable device that can be possessed at home, because having it will make things easier. So if you discover that your blood sugar is higher than normal, there may be a need for changes in your daily management, which can be additions or adjustments in medications, diets, or physical activity.
● Foot Care: Foot problems are many, and most of them can be prevented by a thorough foot examination by a provider at least once a year. Moreover, there are some things you can do independently without the help of any health care practitioners that will prevent the risk of this condition: trimming your nails, putting on clean and dry socks, wearing cushioned shoes that fit well, regular foot observation, etc.
Summarily, diabetic neuropathy remains a complex medical condition that arises from elevated blood sugar. As a result of this, you're more likely to develop it if you cannot properly manage your blood sugar.
Moreover, excessive drinking, smoking, and high blood pressure can expose you to the danger of infection. Are you living with diabetes neuropathy? Worry less, you can still manage it by taking proper medications from physicians and through efficient blood sugar management and proper nutrition and exercise. Also, you may consider opting for therapy or joining a support group for people living with diabetic neuropathy in Türkiye.
