The pdf looks at diabetic neuropathy, its symptoms, causes, and treatment methods.

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Diabetic Neuropathy – Symptoms and Causes
Diabetic neuropathy refers to a type of nerve damage caused by diabetes. High blood
sugar levels can injure nerve fibers throughout your body. About 60 to 70 percent of people
with high blood sugar levels are at increased risk of suffering from some form of nerve
damage that affects the feet, legs or eyes. It can also affect the nerves that control different
bodily functions such as blood pressure, digestion and heart rate. The highest rates of
neuropathy are among people who have had diabetes for at least 25 years and this can lead
to several complications. However, it is possible to prevent the condition or slow its
progress with tight blood sugar control and a healthy lifestyle.
Symptoms
Depending on the type of neuropathy and the affected nerves, symptoms of diabetic
neuropathy can range from mild to painful, disabling and even fatal. Prominent symptoms
include –
 Numbness, tingling or pain (usually in the feet or hands)
 Abdominal fullness or bloating
 Bladder problems
 Erectile dysfunction in men or vaginal dryness in women
 Indigestion
 Muscle weakness
 Nausea and vomiting
 Swallowing problems

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Different Types of Diabetic Neuropathy
The type and location of the nerves affected determine the type of diabetic neuropathy.
Various types of the condition include
 Peripheral neuropathy – Known as one of the most common form of diabetic
neuropathy, this condition affects the peripheral nerves, mainly the nerves of the
toes, legs, feet, hands, and arms.
 Thoracic/lumbar radiculopathy – This is caused by compression or irritation of
the nerves as they exit the spine or
from tumor or infection. Common
symptoms include neck pain and back
pain.
 Autonomic neuropathy – This
condition mainly affects the autonomic
nervous system that controls the heart,
bladder, lungs, stomach, intestines,
sex organs and eyes.
 Femoral neuropathy – This condition
occurs due to femoral nerve
dysfunction causing pain or weakness in the thighs, hips or legs, usually on one side
of the body. It mostly affects people with Type 2 diabetes.
 Charcot’s joint (neurogenic arthropathy) – It is a degenerative disease that
mainly affects one or more joints causing joint instability, swelling and abnormal pain
sensation.
 Foot drop – Also called drop foot, this is the inability to lift the front portion of the
foot, resulting in the toes being dragged along the ground when walking.
Causes
Persisting high blood sugar levels can damage delicate nerve fibers and cause diabetic
neuropathy. High blood sugar level affects the ability of the nerves to transmit signals. It
weakens the walls of the small blood vessels (capillaries) that supply the nerves with
oxygen and nutrients. Other causes of the condition include inflammation in the nerves,
smoking, alcohol use and genetic factors.

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Diagnosis
Typically, diabetic neuropathy is diagnosed based on patient symptoms, medical history and
a physical exam. As part of the initial diagnosis, your physician is likely to check muscle
strength and tone, tendon reflexes, and sensitivity to touch, temperature and vibration.
Physicians may also conduct tests like filament test, nerve conduction studies,
electromyography (EMG), quantitative sensory testing and autonomic testing. Regular
monitoring of blood sugar level is important to prevent or delay the progression of the
disease and onset of further problems. Regular physical exercise and a diabetic-friendly diet
are critical to maintain safe blood sugar levels.
Treatment for diabetic neuropathy in professional healthcare centers would include physical
therapy, chiropractic care and pain management. Treatment is comprehensive with focus
on slowing the progression of the disease, managing complications, relieving pain and
restoring functional abilities.