Diabetic
Neuropathy
What is neuropathy?
-
Neuropathy is damage to the nerves that travel between the
brain and spinal cord to the muscles, skin and other parts
of the body.
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Neuropathy can be caused by diabetes, but it can sometimes
be caused by other
illnesses.
Why does neuropathy
develop in diabetes?
-
High blood glucose (sugar) levels over a period of
time can lead to chemical changes in the nerves
that causes damage.
-
High blood glucose levels can also damage the blood
vessels that supply the nerves with oxygen. This
can also cause the nerves to become
damaged.
What type of neuropathy can develop in
diabetics?
There are 3 main types:
These can cause a variety of symptoms,
depending on which part of the body is
affected.
Sensory
Neuropathy
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This is the most common type.
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It usually affects nerves in the feet and legs but
can sometimes affect nerves in the hands and
arms.
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Sensory neuropathy can cause a feeling of numbness,
tingling or ‘pins and
needles’.
-
Some patients develop a feeling as if they are
walking over sharp stones.
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Neuropathy may also cause burning pains in the
legs, especially in bed at night, shooting pains,
or sometimes over-sensitivity to even slight touch.
This is why it is sometimes called “Painful
Neuropathy”.
-
However in many cases, patients may not notice any
symptoms but can still have signs of sensory
neuropathy when their feet are tested at the
clinic.
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This lack of sensation can sometimes lead to
problems with foot ulcers.
-
Taking good care of the feet is the best way to
avoid foot ulcers. This is why you are advised on
foot care when your diabetes is
discovered.
Motor
Neuropathy
-
This is less
common
-
It might cause weakness of muscles especially in the
legs
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It can alter the shape of the feet
and cause problems with
shoes
-
Both of these might lead to problems with
walking
Autonomic
Neuropathy
This affects the nerves that control
internal organs and the symptoms depend on where the problem
lies:
Stomach: can cause nausea or
vomiting.
Intestine: can cause constipation or
diarrhoea.
Bladder: can cause difficulty in
passing urine.
Penis: can cause problems with
erections.
Heart and blood vessels: can cause
dizziness and palpitations.
Sweat glands: can cause dry skin,
especially in the feet.
What should I do to
avoid developing neuropathy?
-
You can cut your risk of developing neuropathy by
keeping your blood glucose (sugar) levels under
control.
-
If you already have neuropathy, keeping blood
glucose (sugar) levels under control will prevent
it becoming worse.
How do I prevent a foot
ulcer?
-
Follow the foot care advice given by your
Podiatrist/Chiropodist, Nurse or
GP.
-
Attend the Podiatrist (Chiropodist)
regularly.
-
You may need to be referred to an Orthotist to
provide you with appropriate
footwear.
Is there any
treatment for painful neuropathy?
A variety of tablet treatments are
available for this. Some tablets will work better in some
patients than in others. It is important to let your
Doctor know if the tablets that you have been prescribed
are not working or are causing side effects. If none of
the tablets work, then ask to be referred to the Diabetes
Clinic or to the Pain Clinic, as other forms of treatment
such as acupuncture, may be beneficial.
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