Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic Neuropathy is a complication of diabetes that causes nerve damage. It can affect nerves in the feet, organs, and muscles, which can lead to serious problems throughout the body.
Symptoms:
Peripheral Neuropathy: Numbness or pain in the hands, legs, or feet, shooting pains, burning, or tingling, weakness in the hands, foot drop, and difficulty focusing or double vision.
Autonomic Neuropathy: Harms automatic processes in the body, such as digestion.
Other Symptoms:
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, problems with sexual function, urinary problems, dizziness when changing positions quickly, bloating, heartburn, feeling full after small meals, blacking out when standing up quickly, faster heartbeat, low blood pressure, and pain in the front of the thighÂ
Causes:
The exact causes of diabetic neuropathy are unknown, but several factors may contribute to it, including:
- High blood sugar: High levels of glucose can cause chemical changes in nerves, making it harder for them to send signals. It can also damage the small blood vessels that supply nerves with oxygen and nutrients.
- Metabolic factors: High levels of triglycerides and cholesterol are also associated with an increased risk of neuropathy.
- Inherited factors: Some genetic traits may make people more susceptible to nerve disease than others.
- Other risk factors for Diabetic Neuropathy include:
- Advanced age
- Hypertension
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Smoking
- Dyslipidemia
- Long-standing diabetes
- Obesity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Positive HLA-DR3/4 genotype
Other Conditions
