Information on Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes. It is nerve damage usually caused by high blood sugar levels. According to the Mayo Clinic, nerves in feet and legs are damaged most often.

Types

• The most common type of diabetic neuropathy is peripheral neuropathy, in which there is nerve damage to hands, arms, legs and feet. Autonomic neuropathy is nerve damage to involuntary organs such as bladder, lungs, heart and digestive system. Less common types include proximal neuropathy and focal neuropathy.

Symptoms

• Common symptoms of neuropathy include tingling and numbness, usually of hands and feet. There is often reduced ability to feel pain or distinguish temperature changes, and there may be muscle weakness, cramps and difficulty walking.

Risk Factors

• Poor blood sugar control is a high risk factor for diabetic neuropathy; other risk factors include smoking and high cholesterol. Your risk of neuropathy increases the longer you have diabetes.

Complications

• There are many serious complications associated with diabetic neuropathy, including loss of a limb, digestive problems, sexual dysfunction and urinary tract infections.

Treatment

• Treatment focuses on slowing the progression of the disease, easing pain, managing complications and restoring function.