Diabetic neuropathy (DN), also known as peripheral neuropathy, is a complication of diabetes that can decrease the sensation and function in the extremities. DN is a common complication of diabetes and it can have various effects on the body, such as skin ulcers, infection, gangrene of extremities, severe pain and all-over nerve damage.
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What is Diabetic Neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of neuropathy that occurs as a result of diabetes. Neuropathy is a general term for the damage to the nerves, which can lead to loss of feeling and/or paralysis. Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common types of neuropathy, and it’s estimated that it affects around one in five people with diabetes. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can vary from person to person, but they typically include pain, tingling, and numbness in the hands and feet. The condition is also associated with a reduced ability to feel heat or cold, problems with movement, and changes in sensation (such as feeling pain or temperature differently). There’s no cure for diabetic neuropathy, but there are ways to manage it and reduce the risk of developing it.
Causes of Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is a syndrome caused by diabetes mellitus. It can lead to a wide range of symptoms, which vary depending on the person.
There are various causes of diabetic neuropathy, including damage to the small blood vessels in the nerves, which can lead to decreased blood flow and nerve damage. Other causes include:
* Poor blood sugar control over a long period of time – This is one of the main risk factors for developing diabetic neuropathy. If you have uncontrolled diabetes, your blood sugar levels will be high most of the time and this can damage your small blood vessels.
* Diabetes-related complications – Complications from diabetes (such as kidney disease) can also damage nerves.
* Neuropathy caused by other medical conditions – There are many different medical conditions that can cause neuropathy, including lupus, multiple sclerosis and AIDS.
* Injuries – Certain types of injuries (such as a car accident) can cause nerve damage.
* Age – Diabetic neuropathy tends to develop more frequently as people age.
* Genetics – Some people are more likely to develop diabetic neuropathy than others.
One of the main risk factors for developing diabetic neuropathy is uncontrolled
Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy
In diabetic neuropathy, the nerves in the feet and hands become damaged. The symptoms can vary depending on where the nerve is affected, but common complaints include:
pain in the feet and toes
numbness or tingling in the feet and toes
problems with walking and balance
slow or delayed movement in the hands and fingers
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor. There are many factors that can cause diabetic neuropathy, including:
diabetes itself
A recent injury or illness
obesity
smoking
poor circulation due to obesity or high blood pressure
Poor diets high in sugar or starch
Risk Factors for Diabetes and Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. Over time, this can lead to the development of diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage caused by diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy is a serious condition that can cause numbness, tingling, pain, and difficulty walking. There are many risk factors for diabetes and diabetic neuropathy, including obesity, family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, and genetics. Anyone can develop diabetic neuropathy if they have diabetes, but it’s more common in people who have previously had diabetes or who are overweight.
Treatment Options for Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is a common disorder that affects the nerve cells in the feet and lower legs. It can cause pain, numbness and weakness. Treatment options include medications, surgery, and other treatments.
Managing Diabetes of Your Neuropathy
If you have diabetes and suffer from neuropathy, there is a very good chance that diabetes will contribute to your neuropathy. Neuropathy is a condition in which the nerves that control movement and sensation become damaged. The damage can occur anywhere along the nerve, but it’s most common in the feet and hands. Diabetes can cause a range of symptoms, including lack of feeling or tingling in your feet and toes, pain when you walk or stand, and problems with balance. In some cases, people also lose their sense of taste or smell. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing diabetes and neuropathy, but there are a few things you can do to help improve your odds: keep your blood sugar under control, eat a balanced diet, avoid smoking, exercise regularly, and get enough rest.
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