Causes of Diabetes Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy, a degeneration of the nerves, is the most common complication of diabetes mellitus. It is a complication that may be avoided with appropriate action. While this nerve damage may occur anywhere in the body, it is the feet and legs in which neuropathy most often occurs.

Causes

• Medical research has not pinpointed the exact mechanism by which nerve damage occurs when there are prolonged high blood sugar levels. It is thought that the excess sugar traveling through the bloodstream interferes with the normal transmission of nerve impulses.

  This same excess sugar in the bloodstream can weaken the walls of the blood vessels, particularly the smaller capillaries which carry necessary nutrients and oxygen to the nerve cells.

Factors

• There are additional factors which contribute to the development of this chronic and painful condition:

  Smoking and alcohol use as these activities also cause damage to nerves and blood vessels.
  Excess sugar in the blood can alter proteins in the body, called protein glycation.
  Elevated blood fat levels may contribute to nerve damage.
  The nerves can become inflamed if there is an autoimmune disorder.
  An inherited predisposition to diabetic neuropathy
  Physical injury to the nerves
  Increasing age and the duration of diabetes mellitus are contributing factors

Prevalence

• 60-70 percent of all people with diabetes mellitus will likely develop some diabetic neuropathy through the course of their lives.

Potential

• Due to the decreased sensation in the feet that may occur with diabetic neuropathy and the decreased circulation to the lower extremities, there is an increased tendency to develop open areas on the feet and/or lower legs that do not heal or ulcerated areas. The worst case scenario would be that amputation may be needed without prompt and ongoing medical attention.

Prevention

• The single most important way to prevent or stave off diabetic neuropathy is to maintain optimal blood sugar levels.
  The most frequent complication of diabetic neuropathy is foot problems such as sores that don't heal and perhaps amputation. Excellent foot care is important to prevent foot problems and early treatment is necessary for any problems that do develop.
  Check your feet every day for any cuts or open areas. Keep the feet clean and dry. Wear well-fitting shoes.
  Keep blood pressure under good control. Diabetics are twice as likely as nondiabetics to have hypertension (high blood pressure). Uncontrolled blood pressure can cause damage to the circulatory system.
  Eat a balanced, nutritious diet every day.
  Stay physically active, making sure to be active each and every day.
  Stop smoking and limit or eliminate alcohol intake.