Complications of Sensory Loss With Diabetes

Numbness in your fingers and toes, loss of vision, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea and pain are all symptoms of nerve damage or neuropathy. This complication of diabetes, sensory loss, is a scary prospect for diabetics. This irreversible result of high blood sugars can be prevented by managing the disease.

Significance

• Scientist do not know why, but long-term exposure to high blood glucose levels can cause sensory loss in every part of your body. Estimates of 60 to 70 percent of diabetics having some form of nerve damage is sobering.

Types

• Peripheral neuropathy, the most common form of sensory loss, affects your extremities. Autonomic neuropathy affects blood pressure, blood flow and digestion.

Warning

• There is no cure for neuropathy or sensory loss. Prevention is essential. Careful control of your blood sugar levels may cut your risk by 60 percent.

Benefits

• Losing weight and daily exercise will stave off sensory loss from the complications of high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes.

Expert Insight

• Diabetes professional Joy Pape suggests you do a daily check of fingers and toes, much like is done for a newborn. Looking at your feet every day will help you discover cuts, scrapes, bruises and calluses that could cause problems with your circulation.