Learn more about Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur if you have diabetes. It most often affects the nerves in your legs and feet. Diabetic neuropathy can occur if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Moreover, it is a serious diabetes complication that may affect as many as 50% of people with diabetes. But you can often prevent diabetic neuropathy or slow its progress with consistent blood sugar management and a healthy lifestyle.
There are three types of peripheral nerve affected: motor, sensory, and also autonomic. Motor nerve fibres carry signals to muscles to allow motions like walking as well as fine finger movements. Sensory nerves take messages in the opposite direction. They carry information to the brain about shape, movement, texture, warmth, coolness, or pain from special sensors in the skin and from deep in the body. Autonomic nerves are nerves that are not consciously controlled. These nerves have functions such as controlling the heart rate, maintaining blood pressure, and controlling sweating.
Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy?
Symptoms often begin in their feet or hands. These symptoms may later spread to their legs and arms. The most common symptoms of diabetic neuropathy are:
- numbness
- tingling
- a burning feeling
- aching
- cramps
- weaknes
Diabetic neuropathy can also cause:
- pain and discomfort in your arms or legs, especially at night
- not being able to feel sores or cuts
- sleep problems
- bloating and indigestion
- heat intolerance
- problems with walking
- diarrhoea
- problems with urinating (passing water)
- low blood pressure on standing
- problems with sexual function
- not being able to recognise when your blood sugar is low (hypoglycaemia)
What causes diabetic neuropathy?
Having high levels of sugar in the blood for a long time increases the risk of damage to the nerves. High levels of triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood, can also cause nerve damage. The longer you have had diabetes, the more likely you are to develop diabetic neuropathy.
Other conditions can play a part, including:
- high blood pressure
- vitamin B deficiency
- alcohol abuse
- smoking
- kidney disease or liver disease
- some medicines, including some drugs used against cancer
Are you suffering from this condition? One of our chiropodist/podiatrist can assist and then recommend what treatment options are best to get you back on track. ✅
Schedule an appointment here or you may call us at 44 (0) 207 101 4000. 📞
We hope you have a feetastic day! 👣☀️
-The Chelsea Clinic and Team
