Diabetes Mellitus
What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?
One of the major complications of Diabetes Mellitus is
Diabetic Neuropathy. This involves a breakdown of nerve fibers which
eventually leads to a loss of nerve function. We have two types of
nerves in our bodies, sensory nerves and motor nerves. If the neuropathy
involves the sensory nerves it will lead to either a loss of feeling or
you may experience constant pain, burning and/or tingling. If the nerves
involved are motor nerves it will affect the strength of the muscle
leading to weakness and loss of use.
Diabetic
neuropathies can be classified as focal or diffuse and each has their
own symptoms, rate of progress, and method of treatment. Focal
neuropathies involve a single nerve or a small group of nerves that
become damaged due to loss of blood supply or it may become trapped
within swollen tissues. With blood loss neuropathies the signs are
usually sudden, are located to one area of the body and go away over
time (if the blood flow is restored). Nerve entrapment neuropathies are
usually slow in onset and may require surgery to release the nerve, a
good example of this is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Diffuse
neuropathies are the more common type of diabetic neuropathy. They
affect both motor and sensory nerves, involve a widespread loss of nerve
function and affect both sides of the body at the same time. They are
usually gradual in onset and unfortunately they are not reversible or
curable. These neuropathies can affect the autonomic nervous system (the
one you can’t control) and can cause problems with your heart,
intestines and the ability to control your urine.
Keeping your
blood glucose levels within the range recommended by your doctor or
endocrinologist is the best way to delay the beginning and decrease the
severity of diabetic neuropathies.