What Is the Course of Diabetic Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication in diabetics that affects nerve sensation and function. The severity of symptoms increases as the disease progresses and gradually affects more areas of the body.

Elevated Blood Glucose

• Elevated blood glucose levels and highly reactive by-products called free radicals cause damage to cell membranes of structures like blood vessels and nerves.

Blood Vessel Constriction

• Small blood vessels begin to constrict, restricting the supply of oxygen and further damaging cells and impairing their function.

Nerve Damage

• Damage to nerves accompanies restricted blood flow. Repair of peripheral nerves is also compromised, slowing recovery after injury or damage.

Pain

• As the disease process continues, early functional changes gradually affect cellular structure and become irreversible. Pain and abnormal, mixed sensation progressing from the distal peripheral nerves inward indicate that nerve damage in continuing. There may be burning, aching, coldness, numbness and tingling, as well as pain.

Sensory Loss

• Loss of sensation typically means severe nerve damage. Often the feet are affected. Calluses and hammertoes form. Tissue atrophies, ulcerates and dies, after which the feet may need amputation.