What Is Diabetes Neuropathy?

Diabetes neuropathy is nerve damage caused by diabetes. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, between 60 and 70 percent of people with diabetes have some form of neuropathy.

The Facts

• Nerve damage caused by diabetes is the most serious complication of diabetes. Over time, people with diabetes can develop nerve damage throughout the body. Diabetes neuropathy can result in mild discomfort for some people, but for others, this disorder is disabling and sometimes fatal.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy depend on the type and on which nerves are affected. Symptoms include numbness, tingling or pain (usually in the feet or hands), muscle weakness, coordination problems, indigestion, nausea and bladder problems. Pain may be intense and is often worse at night.

Types

• The most common type of neuropathy caused by diabetes is peripheral neuropathy, which damages nerves in arms, legs, hands and feet. Autonomic neuropathy affects nerves in your stomach, eyes, intestines and bladder. Proximal neuropathy causes pain in the hips, thighs and buttocks, usually beginning on one side of the body. Focal neuropathy usually involves a single nerve and comes on suddenly.

Treatment

• There is no cure for diabetic neuropathy. Treatment focuses on relieving pain, slowing progression and managing complications.

Prevention/Solution

• Keeping your blood sugar under good control can delay or prevent diabetic neuropathy. Sticking to a healthy diet, keeping blood pressure under control and staying active can also help reduce your risk of developing this disorder.