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Early Warnings of Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is temporary or permanent nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels. According to the National Library of Medicine, about half of all diabetics eventually develop diabetic neuropathy.

  1. The Facts

    • For most people, symptoms begin 10 to 20 years after being diagnosed with diabetes. For others, symptoms of neuropathy begin before diabetes diagnosis. Symptoms usually develop gradually and may go unnoticed until a lot of damage has occurred.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of neuropathy vary depending on what nerves are damaged. Common early symptoms include numbness and tingling, especially in the hands and feet. This is a symptom of peripheral neuropathy, which is the most common type of diabetic neuropathy.

    Types

    • There are several other types of neuropathy besides peripheral neuropathy. Autonomic neuropathy is nerve damage to organs such as heart, bladder, lungs and digestive system. Symptoms of autonomic neuropathy include digestive disturbances and bladder problems. Proximal neuropathy is characterized by pain in the hip, thigh and buttocks on one side of the body. Focal neuropathy is characterized by severe pain in a single nerve.

    When to Call the Doctor

    • Early warnings of diabetic neuropathy that should prompt a call to the doctor include burning, weakness or tingling in the hands and feet, increased or decreased sweating or changes in your bathroom habits or sexual function.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Early symptoms of diabetic neuropathy may improve with good glucose control. Blood sugar should be constantly monitored and kept as close to normal as possible.

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